WHITCHURCH'S High Street 'has never been quieter', because of increases in prices according to traders and business owners in the town.

Families have been been facing an increase in household bills and many business owners said it has had an impact on them.

At the Whitchurch Friday Market, with stalls stacked around the Civic Centre, in High Street, on Friday, May 20, The Herald spoke to traders who said business had been affected.

Market trader Chris Bilsborough said it was like 'going back to square one'.

He explained: "It has never been the same since Covid-19.

"A lot of customers have not come back.

"Just when you think it is going to start getting better all this, all the price rises, the bills and everything.

"It is like going back to square one.

"All you can hope for is more and more come back slowly.

"It has been hard but what can you do.

"You plod on."

Maddie Ashbrook owns of Moo and Boom and said she gets a lot of loyal customers but added people are being more cautious with money.

She explained: "We have definitely seen an increase in prices and we have seen probably less shoppers than in the past month.

"A lot of people in Whitchurch are very supportive and they like shopping local, we get a lot of loyal customers who come back.

"I think everyone is being careful with their money.

"They realise heating and other things are going up.

"We noticed a drop in people from out of town coming in."

Her mother, Stella Ashbrook, said she wanted to remain positive and praised support from customers.

She added: "Moo and Boom want to be more more positive.

"That is what this shop is about, bringing a more positive energy into the high street.

"We know it is tough but local support has been incredible."

Maria MacNae, the owner of Refill Your Boots, said she had noticed a drop in sales.

Maria explained: "We have definitely seen sales drop a little bit recently.

"I think people are feeling the impact of price rises everywhere.

She added the cost of fuel has had an impact and felt the government could do more to help.

Maria explained: "With prices going up everybody's money is getting tighter and everybody has to watch what they are spending.

"Fuel prices are definitely having a massive impact on everyone.

"If people are struggling already how are the going to cope to heat their houses and get petrol when the prices are going up.

"They definitely need support."