While many of the town's big name stores like Marks & Spencers, JJB Sports and MFI have released sales figures that gave shareholders serious cause for concern, discount retailers are enjoying a boom.

Poundland has announced an increase in sales of 122 per cent for the last 12 months.

And Beverley Nunns, manager, of budget clothing store Matalan says the North Street store is certainly going through good times.

She said: "The last three months have been exceptional. When you speak to the customers they'll say that everyone's only got a small amount of disposable income to spend on clothes and if you've got £30 to spend you can get a complete outfit here, whereas in some shops you'd only get a top."

Steve Barnett, managing director of discount food chain Aldi's north east region, said customer numbers were up by 23 per cent this year to date.

He added: "As the economic squeeze tightens, customers are becoming more aware of cost. Aldi products generally cost 20 to 30 per cent less than those at other major supermarkets for equivalent quality as Aldi works on a margin that's lower than the industry generally.

"Many customers are attracted in store for Aldi's special buys. These food and non-food specials are brought out every Sunday and Thursday and offer exceptional value. Special buys are stocked in limited numbers and are sold on a first come, first served basis."

Tony Pilsworth, of Timpson's Shoe Repairs on Westborough told us: "Our financial year runs October to October, so we've just seen the figures and this has been a record year for our shop. We're probably getting 50 per cent more custom than we were 12 months ago. People say they're having their shoes repaired when they wouldn't bother normally. It's just cheaper - if you've got a £50 pair of shoes you can get them reheeled for around £7. It's much more financially viable."