Telford MP Lucy Allan backs Sunday trading call

In an open letter published in the national press, the group of MPs and more than 100 council leaders called on the government to urgently introduce measures to allow large retailers to open their doors for longer on Sundays.

Ms Allan said: "Retail is a big part of the Telford economy with many people employed in this sector. Our excellent shopping centre, retail parks and local centres could all benefit from being able to open longer on a Sunday when more people are free to visit. Not only are sales likely to increase but job opportunities are too.

"I believe that the time is right to give local communities a choice about whether shops should be allowed to extend their Sunday trading hours in England, just as is already the case in Scotland.

"This position is endorsed by 39 of my fellow MPs and over 100 council leaders who have written to the communities secretary to support the government's proposals."

"It is right that local communities and their leaders be given more control over powers for their high streets."

It comes despite opposition after Conservative MPs, church leaders and other political parties sought to block the idea because of the effect on shop workers' family life.

David Cameron was forced to scrap a plan to push the new opening hours through late last year after the revolt, before finding a compromise measure allowing councils the power to decide on zones where trading hours can be relaxed.

A new report by the British Infrastructure Group of MPs found Sunday is the second busiest shopping day of the week with 44 per cent of people visiting a store then.

The study claimed that forcing big retailers to close their doors to shoppers so early has a damaging impact on smaller independent shops as well as cafés and restaurants because people leave high streets early.

The letter co-signed by Ms Allan warned that restrictive Sunday trading laws are making it tough for shop owners. It added: "Ultimately, we believe the best way to determine whether large shops are open for longer than six hours on a Sunday is to hand this decision to local communities.

It is for this reason that we back the proposed change in England and Wales which would update our trading laws for the 21st century."