Traders in Bristol's city centre have reported a massive drop in takings and some shops haven't opened at all as a result of the bad weather.

Although the majority opened as usual yesterday, signs were up in some store windows indicating potentially weather-related problems.

Paul Thomas, 33, manager at WH Smith in the Mall Galleries, said: "The weather has affected us significantly.

"Wednesday sales were down by 25 per cent and Thursday they were down by 35 per cent. The issues with public transport have also had an effect on staff, on Friday we had about half as many in as should be."

Denise Devlin, 23, manager at specialist food shop Julian Graves, said: "It's been dead. I assume people have been staying at home. On Thursday we were down by £400 to £500, normally we would take between £500 and £600."