An online survey is being held which will look at whether later opening times for shops could help boost the district’s night-time economy.

St Albans district council is conducting the survey to find ways to increase the number of people who use local businesses between the hours of 5pm and 2am.

It aims to identify any issues of concern and will also look at whether shops need to be open later, including restaurants, clubs, pubs and cultural venues such as the Alban Arena

The findings will then go before the council’s night time economy task and finish group to decide what action could be taken.

Group chairman, Cllr Malachy Pakenham, said: “St Albans and Harpenden have thriving night time economies.

“People enjoy the restaurants, bars and entertainment venues which provide a considerable amount of employment.

“We can’t be complacent, though, and we want to hear from young people about how these services can be improved in the coming years.

“If we are going to make improvements, we need to know what people want and what concerns they may have,”

The survey is open until July 14 and to take part, visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/night_time_economy