Call for Shrewsbury's small traders to open on Sundays

Dozens of national chains including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and stores within the town's two shopping centres are open for trading on Sunday and attract shoppers to the town.

John Hall, who owns Write Here in the town's High Street and is a member of the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District committee, is leading the campaign to get more and more independent traders to open on Sundays.

And while he recognises the difficulties this may cause smaller businesses, he is sure it is in their best interests and visitors and locals will support them.

"I have now started to trade on a Sunday and it is certainly worthwhile as more people are coming into town to have lunch, just have a walk and shop with their families and friends," he said.

"However, it wasn't an easy decision - I'm not particularly keen on working Sundays, and I know it can be challenging for the smaller independent retailers who already work six days a week.

"But we have some wonderful, unique shops here which are the jewel in the county's crown and people are keen to support them.

"The more independent businesses that open throughout the whole weekend, the more visitors we will attract and I am sure that trade will increase for everyone. Shrewsbury also has lots of other attractions which will benefit.

"The Business Improvement District is working hard to promote the town as a tourist and shopping destination and the more traders that get on board the better," he said.

Mr Hall's shop, which sells a range of pens, greetings cards, toys and gifts, will now be opening throughout the rest of the year on a Sunday.

Paul Platt, owner of Pockets, on the Square in Shrewsbury, said: "We have been opening for the past five years, and it is now an important part of our business. It took some time to establish, but we certainly get business that we'd miss otherwise."

Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, welcomed the idea.

"This is a great idea," he said. "I very much hope that John is successful in his plan. Very many people coming to the town remark on the quality and the number of independent shops that trade in Shrewsbury."

Peter Bettis, from Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said: "This is a wonderful idea. I appreciate it is hard to decide when independent shops will have their weekend, if they open Saturday and Sunday, especially if they are sole traders. It seems Mr Hall has taken the bull by the horns. We have been saying it for years for a number of years. I really hope he can get it off the ground."