The number of shoppers on the UK High Streets between Good Friday and noon Easter Monday, fell by nearly 5%, according to Springboard Forecasting.

This was principally due to poor weather – unlike here – and interestingly, worries about next month’s election outcome and the impact of a possible hung parliament on economic prospects.

The growing trend for increased online spending over holiday weekends continued however. There was an 11% increase in online shopping activity on Good Friday alone, according to Springboard.

Campaigning is currently underway from all parties ahead of general elections on May 7.