Close retail on Boxing Day

I would like to thank Cllr Paul Clarke for his work on sustaining the retail high street and encourage him and his colleagues to sustain that work as an economic imperative and new year resolution.

Having had conversations with Paul Clarke I can vouch that his dedication to developing business and employment is second to none.

USDAW has an industrial strategy for retail which includes lower taxes for shops and the application of an online tax to create a level playing field.

Infrastructure as proper regular bus and trains are also necessary for people to visit their local shops. Developing the post office side of shops is also important.

HMG should channel more government and banking services through post offices to ensure viability. One may come to do banking/postal transactions and buy some goods as well.

For example in Fittleworth the village combines shop, post office and cafe – and was nominated as a finalist in the Countryside Alliance Awards. I encourage people to use it - and learn from it.

Finally there is a prima facie case for retail closure on Boxing Day in recognition of its true status as ‘second Christmas Day’.

It is about families, pastimes of time immemorial- and unashamed chilling out. More goods would be bought before a two-day Christmas closure and there would be less accidents. We must protect the NHS.

In meantime USDAW wishes County Times readers a happy Christmas including a happy ‘second Christmas Day’.

JOHNBARSTOW Member: USDAWExecutive

Council, The Fleet, Fittleworth