FARM shops across the Ribble Valley are the latest businesses to be hit by concerns over the state of the economy and changing consumer spending.

Farmers and shop managers said they were seeing a definite shift in spending habits, and more people being careful with their cash.

Eddie Cowpe, who has run Huntley’s of Samlesbury since 2001, said: “It is difficult at the moment, no doubt.

“We still have the same amount of people coming through the doors, but there is a downturn in overall spending when people get here.

“People are coming in and having a coffee and a piece of cake in our restaurant, instead of the full meal they were having before.”

Traditionally, farm shops have focused on the premium end of the food market, a sector that is now feeling the pinch as people struggle with less cash in their pockets.

Julie Hallett, shop manager at Little Town Dairy, Chipping Road, Thornley, near Longridge, said: “There are possibly a little bit less people coming to the shop.

"They are maybe coming less often and having a big spend when they get here.”

Jamila Mulla-Hounslow, who set up the Taste@ Clitheroe delicatessen, Swan Courtyard, 17 months ago, has recently opened a similar food shop and restaurant at Backridge Farm, Waddington, and she said there was a difference in how the two sites were faring.

She said: “Down in Clitheroe there appears to be a slowdown in demand for ambient items such as jam or chutney as people compare to supermarket prices.

“Here in Waddington we seem to be doing well. I think it’s maybe because people are here for a day out and have the idea that they will spend regardless.”

Bucking the experience of other farm shops was Bashall Barn, near Clitheroe.

Owner Henk van Heuman added: “We are still up on last year.

"We have got a good customer base with regular buyers and do not rely on passing trade.

"That has helped.”