SHOPS in south Essex won’t be able to open later on a Sunday–despite the county’s MPs supporting the bid by the Government.

Every south Essex MP backed the plan to relax trading laws to give councils the opportunity to set regulations in their own boroughs.

But a rebel group of 27 Tories went against the policy, meaning the Government lost the vote in the Commons.

At present, large shops are only allowed to trade for six hours on Sundays.

Mike Horton, marketing manager for Basildon’s Eastgate Centre, said the complex would extend its Sunday hours if it was allowed, provided there was enough demand from shops and customers.

He said: “Should our retailers be permitted to trade longer, and should they wish to trade longer, we would open to accommodate them.

“I don’t think it would be for us to say what is right or wrong, but if the law allowed it, and retailers and shoppers demanded it, we would stay open.

“We would respond to demand, but the law has to change first.”

Father Leslie Drake, of St Mary the Virgin Church, in High Road, Benfleet, welcomed the result of the vote, believing it important to preserve Sunday restrictions.

He said: “We live in a society in transition, but we still have to do something to protect families. There has to be a time in the week which isn’t as commercial.

“Some people might say online commerce will hold sway, but I don’t know if that’s true. The Christian Church will survive and people will continue to come to church regardless, but families need some help in that way.”

Essex Chambers of Commerce, meanwhile, believe the vote should act as a trigger for councils and the Government to look at other ways to boost struggling high streets.

David Burch, director of policy, added: “We see Sunday trading laws as part of the issue around the viability of high streets, but it is not the be-all-and-end-all in terms of a solution.

“The Government and local authorities need to look beyond Sunday hours and examine other issues that affect town centres.

“Business rates are certainly a major issue for retailers and we would like to see reform as soon as possible.

“Another issue is access to town centres in terms of parking.”