Shop opening plan scrapped

Saturday 7th February 2009, 10:00AM GMT.

PLANS for shops in St Helier to open on Liberation Day have been scrapped following a backlash from Islanders and retailers.

Last week the Constable of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft, gave permission for all shops to open on the bank holiday – which this year falls on a Saturday – following a request from the Chamber of Commerce.

The plan would have allowed all shops to trade from noon on a day which is normally covered by Sunday trading laws. Shops which usually open on a Sunday would have been allowed to trade as normal.

It was hoped that the move would bring much needed-relief to the struggling retail trade. But Mr Crowcroft has now withdrawn the permission to open after receiving feedback that both Islanders and some retailers were opposed to the plans.

• Picture: Simon Crowcroft in the town centre

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1
JTM

February 7, 2009 at 12:44 pm

And what about betting shops? How come bookies always open on this day without hindrance?

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2
mumofone

February 7, 2009 at 1:18 pm

Its the beginning of the summer season and our shops are shut on a Saturday!? It’s bad enough visitors complain about there being nothing open on sunday, now we are giving them even more reason to moan. You’d think, that given the “are we in a recession or are we not” debate it would be prudent to let local retailers decide to open as normal on this saturday? yes it’s special day, but will there be any shops left to worry about for next year?

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3
nad

February 7, 2009 at 6:31 pm

some common sense at last

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4
Alex

February 7, 2009 at 11:41 pm

As usual, something very simple gets made more complicated and drawn out than it needed to be. I don’t see why he then withdrew permission… Simply by giving retailers the option to open, they could do what they liked and nobody is forcing anyone to shop on Liberation Day, but it certainly gives those that can only get to do their shopping on a Saturday some hope.

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5
not the whole story.

February 8, 2009 at 3:06 pm

Jersey politicians showing they’re out of touch with the 21stCentury again. Shops closing, fewer tourists , the infamous bank sector embarassing losses…. when are they going to learn that enterprise & getting people into the local shops is the way forward…!

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6
Mark G

February 9, 2009 at 10:36 am

So i work all week and am now expected not to do my weekly shopping on a Saturday?

If i work all week i can not get to the shops so i am one of hundreds of people that get up early on a Saturday to cram in all the things i need to do on a Saturday, Shopping, paying bills etc.

No wonder people are moving to on line shopping.

If someone started an internet business for food i would not have to visit town at all!!

God help our retailers.

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