Suffering Boxing Day blues again

12:04pm Monday 16th October 2006

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LAST year's headlines highlighting the misery Bluewater causes residents at Christmas have been ignored, according to a disgruntled neighbour.

During the festive period last year News Shopper reported Councillor Gwen Tripp's calls for the complex to give residents a break at Christmas by shutting on Boxing Day.

Greenhithe resident Cllr Tripp said it is unacceptable the centre opens on December 26 and causes traffic congestion due to the high number of bargain hunters it attracts.

Bluewater traders also hit out, saying their Christmas was "crucified" because they were forced to open on Boxing Day.

Shop bosses claimed they were being ordered to open by the centre's management even though most do not want to.

Cllr Tripp, a town councillor for Swanscombe and Greenhithe, says she is disappointed the centre has ignored last year's outcry and decided to open on Boxing Day this year from 10am until 6pm.

She believes the residents deserve a break after the run-up to Christmas clogs up their roads and roundabouts.

Cllr Tripp claims congestion will be even worse this year because of major roadworks on the A2 between junction two and the Bean junction.

The Pilgrims View resident wrote thank-you letters to stores which did not open Boxing Day last year.

Cllr Tripp plans to contact the centre to complain about it opening on Boxing Day.

She said: "They are not listening and are only doing what they want to do.

"We are seriously thinking about moving because of the traffic around here."

The Reverend Richard Barron, of St Mary's Church, Greenhithe, said: "I am sure Bluewater makes enough profit to survive without opening on Boxing Day.

"I still think it puts a lot of pressure on family life and shopkeepers deserve more of a break."

A Bluewater spokesman said: "The situation on Boxing Day is a very simple one.

"We have been open for the past three years.

"The situation is no different to the past three years.

"Bluewater is one of many shopping centres to be open across the country."