NEWS the Government has launched a consultation into the possibility of loosening Sunday trading laws has met with a mixed response.

If given the go ahead, local authorities would have increased power to allow shops to stay open for a longer period of time.

The aim of the plans is to strengthen high streets by giving traders more chance to compete in the face of internet shopping but the move has had critics, who argue it will change the fabric of society.

The current laws allow smaller convenience shops to stay open for longer hours but those smaller than 280 square metres can only stay open for six hours.

If given the go-ahead it could mean many stores in the high street being allowed to open for their normal hours.

Swindon Borough Council says no official position has been taken on the issue at this stage.

Coun Emma Faramarzi (Con, Priory Vale), the cabinet member responsible for licensing, said: “At this stage there is nothing we will do without doing a full consultation with the public.

“When the news first appeared this would happen I then spoke with residents in my ward and there was a mixed response.

“I can understand why some traders would want it but there are many who would not.”

The Swindon Chamber of Commerce has come out in favour of the move, saying if shops were able to open for longer hours there would be many benefits.

Ginette Gower, head of sales and marketing at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group which covers Swindon, said: “We understand that there will be differing views on extending Sunday hours but from a business point of view it will generate more income for the local economy, not only in terms of retailers but for hospitality venues, bars and restaurants.

“We would support extending Sunday trading in any consultation.”

However, there is opposition to the plans, notably from religious leaders and unions.

In an open letter to the Daily Telegraph, The Church of England, the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers and small businesses combined to criticise the move.

It read: “Keeping Sunday special is essential to the fabric of our society.

Longer Sunday opening will have a dramatic effect on family life for no economic gain. “