By contrast, footfall rose by 1.6% in London, increased 0.4% in the South West, and was up by 0.2% in Scotland.

BBC: More than one in 10 city centre shops vacant, says BRC

It now accounts for 16.8% of the day's footfall, with footfall on Northumberland Street up by 5.5% year-on-year, in contrast to the national downturn.

BBC: Newcastle City Centre boost from evening shopping

Meanwhile, figures released by Edinburgh City Council show the Royal Mile had its busiest ever week during the Edinburgh Festival, with footfall up by more than a third on last year in the first three weeks of August.

BBC: Visitors flock to Edinburgh Castle

For the south west and north of England, footfall both fell by 4.8%, while in the East Midlands it was 1.2% lower.

BBC: Shopper numbers fell in December, says BRC

Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) footfall figures show numbers increased by 1% compared to a year ago.

BBC: 'Optimism' as shopper numbers rise

The aim of the renovations is to increase footfall across the market area by up to 15% and to increase the number of days it trades.

BBC: Doncaster outdoor market set for ?1m revamp

The BRC acknowledged this, but said that the net effect of the Games was minimal as "lower footfall in London was offset by a better performance in the rest of the country".

BBC: Retail sales 'hurt by Olympics' in August

Meanwhile, Sean Kerr, who has sold antiques at the market for nine years, said footfall at the market was down by at least 50% on the same period last year.

BBC: St George's market, Belfast, traders seek rent holiday

It begins when a store closes down, followed by a weakened performance in nearby shops, less footfall and increased chance of further closures.

BBC: Mary Portas unveils report into High Street revival

The BRC said that the worst affected regions were the east Midlands and the south west of England, with "footfall", the number of people entering retail spaces, down by 8.1% and 7%.

BBC: Firms count damage done by March cold weather