FEARS have been raised over the future of Malvern’s independent traders if Sunday shopping laws are relaxed in the town.
The Mayor of Malvern has spoken out against Government proposals to relax the current rules and said he believed the move could harm small businesses in the area.
Current laws allow smaller stores to open all day, but restrict larger premises such as supermarkets to six hours’ trading.
And Coun Julian I’Anson told The Observer: “If the big shops can open any old time smaller shopkeepers may suffer and I think that would be a pity. Malvern needs small shopkeepers.
“I am not sure I think it is a good idea to be honest as small shopkeepers need a chance and they will probably have less of a chance now.
He added: “People can park at the retail park all day for nothing but in the centre of Malvern it is quite difficult to park so naturally people will go the retail park.
“But independent traders need as much trade as possible and the big stores being open all the time won’t be a big help to them.
“The executives who run these huge supermarkets are not going to be affected at all but a little family business in Malvern could be.”
Chancellor George Osborne announced the proposals in the recent Budget but said the final decision would be left up to local councils.
Sean Austin, owner of Austin and Co in Great Malvern, said: “The move could affect me if places like the retail park are open longer, more business could head that way.
“I open on Sundays because people’s lifestyles change and we have to open when people want to shop. The whole Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm worked 30 years ago does not work nowadays.”
Simon Smith, economic development manager for Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We will wait to see the detail of the proposal and how it will work in reality.
“Any change to the present Sunday opening hours would only be considered if there was enough demand locally and after consultatation with traders, residents and other interested parties.”
