A CALL to shovels has helped boost custom in Marlow during the last few days before Christmas.

Last weekend’s heavy snowfall left Marlow resembling “a ghost town” as shoppers stayed away.

But a plea from the Marlow Chamber of Trade’s vice president, Adam Marlow, for traders to plough their shop fronts has been acted on.

According to Mr Marlow more shops mucked in to help clear their pavements outside and – coupled with council gritting – business is making a comeback.

“It was lethal – people were slipping all over the place. Now there are more shoppers walking on the streets,” said Mr Marlow, who is also the co-owner of Mekong Gifts, on Spittal Street.

“Trade has really improved. Obviously we are still a bit behind but we have a few days to catch up - at least things are looking a bit more positive.”

And the chamber’s president remains hopeful that, despite the weekend wipeout, there is still time for the town’s shops to make a recovery.

“Obviously Saturday was the worst, when I went in it was like a ghost town,” said Annie Mulady.

“But the town seems busy now. I feel sorry for people like hairdressers who lost appointments but I am hoping that shops will pick up between now and Christmas.”