Market Drayton shop owner's anger at uniform decision
A school's decision to use a uniform supplier 16 miles away has had a huge impact on local businesses, it was claimed today.
Andy Brown, who has run Sport United in Market Drayton for six years, said the decision by staff and governors at Grove School to use a shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme has seen his takings cut in half.
"The decision about school uniform has affected the local economy in a big way. People are going to Newcastle so they are doing their shopping there. I don't think the school realise the impact it has had."
Following a review which took two years, pupils are now wearing a more traditional uniform.
Girls must wear one of three types of trousers or a specific skirt bought from the Smart School Uniform shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Sport United does still supply PE kits but Mr Brown said having a local shop for the uniform made all the difference.
Councillor Steve Glover, mayor of the town, said : "A local school should have a local supplier." A school spokesman said: "Sport United hold the exclusive contract to supply the school PE kit."
