No benefit to deregulation

At one time we weren't obliged to wear car seatbelts, it was a matter of personal choice. Then some years ago legislation dictated we were obliged to wear them. The diving boards at the bathing pools were removed due to health and safety legislation – to protect us from ourselves. No freedom of choice there. How long before it becomes compulsory to wear cycling helmets?

I don't have freedom of choice to go to any States departments on a Sunday. Some people may wish to attend deputies surgeries held on a Saturday. Maybe those deputies in favour of Sunday trading would like to run additional surgeries on a Sunday to give more people 'freedom of choice'.

Deputy Mike Hadley has said on the radio that deregulation would be 'a small change affecting a small number of people'. Did he mean the small number of people affected would be the retailers? If so, was he implying an adverse effect on them? Or did he mean the small number affected would be consumers? If so, what's the point of change if only a small number will take advantage of their new found 'freedom of choice'?

My main concern is that the following will be adversely affected by deregulation:

1. Seafront closures for social/fundraising events.

2. Parking. If parking restrictions are put in place on a Sunday then going to Herm/Sark, Castle Cornet, aquarium, bathing pools, model yacht pond etc, and parking for private boat owners, will become as difficult as during the week. If parking restrictions are not in place on a Sunday, then all the long-term spaces will be taken up by retailers.

3. Sunday is the only day of the week one can cycle safely with children due to the general decrease in traffic on the roads.

4. Possibility of deliveries to shops being permitted on a Sunday.

5. Sporting fixtures/clubs affected due to some people having to work.

I find it ironic that hardly a week goes by when we don't hear about new ideas to encourage healthy living and the States investing money to help improve our lifestyle – banning smoking in certain places, taxing tobacco/alcohol as a direct deterrent, attempting to make car journeys to Town more difficult, educating the population about healthy eating etc, yet it's a well-known fact that one of the biggest factors in people being signed off work is work-related stress.

But, in their wisdom, some politicians feel that it is necessary to add another day to the working week.

As for generating more spending, I don't have a crystal ball, but I would very much doubt it. Many retailers are already frustrated, and rightly so, by potential customers trying out or asking advice on merchandise, only to return home and order it online. Sunday, if it's quieter than a weekday, would be the ideal opportunity to do just that.

Certain States members in favour of Sunday opening have put forward the argument that some people already have to work on a Sunday, e.g. emergency services, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, boats, airlines etc. Not a valid argument in the context of deregulation. If all the above ceased to work on a Sunday the world would come to a standstill and people would die. If deregulation doesn't take place, what will adversely happen? Precisely nothing.

Another point that has been put forward is that families would be able to go shopping together. Well, I've yet to meet the child who prefers shopping to going to the park, the beach, cycling, cliff walking, participating in sport etc.

I've also yet to meet the person who truthfully says 'Great, it's Sunday. Can't wait for Monday to get back to work.' But I hear many saying 'Thank goodness, it's Friday. Nearly the weekend.'

Finally, I wasn't quite sure what Deputy Kevin Stewart's reasoning was when emailing deputies asking them to confirm that they would be sticking by their vote for deregulation. Sounded rather like children in the playground, 'If you don't play my game, I won't invite you to my birthday party.'

I respect the views of those people saying they 'want' Sunday opening. But those saying they 'need' Sunday opening . . . really?

PAT DEVENPORT,

Fermanville,

Clos de Roberge,

Summerfield Road,

Vale.