Call to extend evening opening

Pressure is mounting for shopping centres to open later in the evenings to cater for increasing demand from customers.

Manchester's Trafford Centre began opening until 10pm from Monday to Friday last month for the Christmas period - an hour later than usual.

However, director of operations Steve Bunce said there is support from 70 per cent of tenants to continue all year round.

'The majority of people who come here are in full-time employment, so the area where we can increase our business has been late nights,' he said.

At Leeds' White Rose Centre, selected stores open until 9pm. However, agreement from a central forum is required before it can be made policy across the centre.