"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust."
Psalm 18 v 2
NEW ATTEMPT TO EXTEND SUNDAY OPENING FOR GARDEN CENTRES.
In contrast to the previous article, information came to the Society that a Bill has been introduced to the
House of Lords to amend the 1994 Act in relation to the sale of horticultural supplies. This would extend
Sunday opening hours at garden centres from six to eight hours and also allow opening on Easter Sunday.
It is believed that this is the first time a gardening trade association has made such a move, which could mean a
ten per cent extra turnover for centres—equivalent to tens of millions of pounds.
The Earl of Courtown, a landscaping business owner, said, ‘We are trying to get more people into garden
centres and enable them to buy what they want. Many garden centres are small family run businesses and the Lords’ will support them. Many Lords are in the All-party Parliamentary Gardening and horticultural Group and they understand the issues.’
This Society is convinced the All-party group do not understand the issues. All they understand is the noise of the
tills ringing more often. The people who do understand the issues are Lesley and Richard Phillips. Many garden
centres are family run businesses and therefore need valuable time with their families, and Sunday provides
this important requirement. Lesley and Richard have also proved that to close on Sunday does not mean a decline in
business. Over recent years we also have proved this to be true with the example we have given of other forms of retail companies who have closed on the Lord’s Day, yet have remained profitable and increased turnover.
When the Bill has completed its many stages through the House of Lords, it then comes before the Commons. We will be writing to supportive MPs in the hope that this attempt to extend hours of opening will be defeated.