by Martin Jefferies

Retailers across Kent are hoping for a pre-Christmas boost as shoppers make a last-minute dash to high streets and shopping centres.

More than 250,000 people are expected to visit Bluewater this weekend, while around 40,000 shoppers will descend on Westwood Cross in Thanet.

At Whitefriars in Canterbury, more than 50,000 people are expected to visit today.

Tom Price, general manager of Westwood Cross, predicted footfall would be "significantly up" on the same weekend last year, when stores were forced to close early because of heavy snow.

Across Kent, many shops have cut prices in the run-up to Christmas in a bid to attract extra customers.

They are desperate for a positive end to the year, after figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) this week showed sales in November were barely up 2010 – the weakest growth for six months.

The Office for National Statistics said sales fell 0.4% from the previous month, although shoppers spent 3.3% more than they did last November.

Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, said: "Consumers have approached this Christmas with great caution, reining in their spending in November and leaving it late to start their Christmas shopping.

"The continuing high levels of pre-Christmas discounting and promotions are another symptom of weak demand.

"Retailers know they need to fight hard for every pound that's out there in the hope of attracting business which would otherwise go to their rivals."

Mr Roberston added: "Ultimately there will be a boost from Christmas. People are generally determined to treat themselves at this time of year if they possibly can, unhampered by the severe weather which disrupted shopping last year."