Llangollen is popular with tourists

Shopkeepers in Llangollen want to move the clocks an hour forward in October rather than back.

The theory behind this is that it would create an extra two hours of daylight in the evening in which people could visit attractions in the same way they do over the summer.

The end of the October half-term holiday traditionally brings with it the end of the busiest season in the tourism industry along with darker evenings as a result of turning back the clocks.

Llangollen shop owners feel their shops and tourist attractions, including the steam railway and canal boat trips suffer as a result of not enough daylight and visitors tail off after 1600GMT.

The debate has surfaced a number of times over the years and the issue has even been discussed in Parliament.

"There is an enormous amount of potential for making the industry more profitable through the quieter months if we can extend the season," said Esther Roberts from North Wales Tourism.

Llangollen is famous for its International Eisteddfod

"Tourism already contributes over �2.5 billion a year to the Welsh economy and employs more than 35,000 people in north Wales alone."

Clocks are set by European Directives but fall under the auspices of the Department of Trade and Industry.

It is hoped there will be a 10% growth in tourism in north Wales over the next 10 years and those who work within the industry say this can only be done by extending the season.

"There is plenty we can do in north Wales to help ourselves but we need the powers that be in the local authorities, national government and Europe to do their bit and support our efforts," added Ms Roberts.

Ruth Jones, chair of the Llangollen Chamber of Trade and local shop owner said the majority of Llangollen traders think changing the clocks would benefit their businesses.

"We are working hard to ensure potential visitors realise just what a gem Llangollen is at any time of the year," she said.