COLD weather kept customers away from the shops this month, leading to a fall in sales.

The retail sales survey from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) improved to -16 points in March from -18 in February.

"The colder weather during March has kept Spring on hold, putting the stops on people buying new clothes and venturing out of doors and into the high street," said John Longworth, of the CBI's retail survey panel. Retailers expect an improvement next month.