A FAMILY-friendly restaurant and more clothing shops is what Leightonians want to see in the town, according to a poll by the I Love LB Group.

The committee of retailers gave shoppers the chance to have their say on what should be in our High Street and some interesting results came back.

Figures from the 885 surveys returned have indicated that nearly 50 per cent would like to see a family/child friendly restaurant open in the evenings in a central location. Also, national chains, especially clothes shops, would be very welcome.

A high percentage of people wanted better paved areas, more trees planted and seating installed.

About 15 per cent thought that some of the shops could do with a face lift.

Among the plusses, almost half those surveyed visited the town centre to use banks, the post office or hairdresser several times a week.

People coming into the town mostly either walk or drive, although 44 per cent of drivers thought there wasn't enough parking spaces in the town centre area.

Charity shops and estate agents were a main concern to shoppers with 40 per cent wanting charity shops out of the High Street. And 101 of those questioned thought the town had too many estate agents.

Initial responses indicated that most people only ditch the town in favour of Milton Keynes Shopping Centre because of a wider range of shops.

Summing up, Leighton's High Street is a friendly, convenient, market town, but there is room for improvement in both shops and landscaping.

Incidentally, 83 people who filled in the survey still want Marks and Spencers to open a shop here.

Spokesperson for the I Love LB Group Suny Ravenscroft said: "The results will be used by our executive committee for strategic planning purposes.

"When we lobby certain organisations we can use the substantial data to back our plans.

"Long term we will be improving the landscape and keeping in touch with national chains, such as Marks and Spencer, and invite them to be pro-actively involved."