The number of shopping visits to Dumfries town centre has fallen

A perceived lack of quality and choice of stores in the area has been pinpointed by a �50,000 survey of retail trends across the region.

The report also indicates there is room for improvement in the appearance of the buildings in the town.

It concludes the centre should focus on clothing, leisure and gift items in order to bring back customers.

The last retail study of Dumfries and Galloway was carried out 10 years ago and the new report highlights significant changes.

Residents doing most non-food shopping in Dumfries town centre Dumfries - 55% Castle Douglas - 41% Moffat/Lockerbie - 33% Thornhill - 33% Annan - 15%

It states the rise of internet shopping, growing influence of supermarkets and popularity of retail parks have all had an impact.

Glasgow, Ayr, Carlisle and Belfast are cited as the major competitors to the region's shopping outlets.

While most town centres have been able to sustain their trade, the report claims Dumfries has struggled.

"Overall there has been a slight increase in the frequency of visits to town centre areas across Dumfries and Galloway," it said.

"However, results suggest a major decline in popularity of Dumfries town centre itself."

Clothing and leisure stores are seen as key to regenerate the area

The study, which recommends a number of different regeneration strategies, will be considered by planning councillors next week.

One proposal is to retain tight restrictions on what goods can be sold at out-of-town retail parks.

An increase in shops selling clothing, smaller household goods and electrical items is also seen as a major opportunity for the town.

The council has been recommended to team up with private business to help regenerate the town centre to attract national chains.

'Down market'

An effort should also be made to clean up Friars Vennel and Bank Street, which link the High Street to the Whitesands.

"Both streets have considerable potential to become charming pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares of traditional vernacular style," said the report.

In addition, the study sought the opinions of businesses operating across the region.

Most traders believed that custom had increased over the past three years but more than half indicated retail services in the region were "down market".

Councillors will discuss the findings of the report at their meeting on 16 January.