As ministers look set to rush through a law allowing shops to open round the clock during the Olympic Games, concerns have been raised by those who believe God intended us to have a ‘rest’ day.

At Keith Jones Christian Bookshop in Bournemouth, Darren Peach is concerned that a change in the law could set precedence.

“Once they relax the laws for the Games there could be no going back,” Darren told me. “I’d never ask any of my staff to work on a Sunday for Biblical reasons. Besides that, the cost to family life is just too great. We all live busy lives and it’s good to have one day of the week that families can spend together without shopping.”

Claire Dallison, proprietor at The Candle Jar, Winton also feels it’s important to have one day in the week which is special and won’t open on a Sunday.

She said: “God said to have a day of rest, although it does not necessarily have to be a Sunday. “Tradition has made it that day. We don’t open our shop on Sundays because it’s Biblical to have a rest day, but in the past I had too when I was working in the care sector. Those in the emergency services certainly have to work Sundays.”

In Poole, the showroom of Diamond Home Improvements is closed on a Sunday and their Director, Steve Cable, who is also a leader at Bethal Chapel in Verwood, said “It’s terrible they are thinking of relaxing the law. “Even if you don’t have any religious beliefs, you need time to reflect and enjoy family time. “There is plenty of opportunity to shop with supermarkets open in the evenings and internet shopping. Six days a week is more than ample!”

But Danielle Cheal from Ferndown welcomes the opportunity to have greater choice as to when she can shop and values her regular visits to Castlepoint on a Sunday. She works as an Employment Law Solicitor and has two young children. “I can’t go out shopping unless it’s the weekend,” Danielle told me.

“In today’s society I think we have to give allowances to mums who have to work and can’t get the jobs done they need to during the week.”