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