TRADERS say they are disgusted small shops had to keep Bluewater open on Boxing Day while anchor stores closed.

They say it is unfair they are forced to open while many larger stores remained shut.

In November, News Shopper revealed claims traders were ordered by the centre's management to open on Boxing Day even though they did not want to.

Traders say they were told they would be in breach of contract if they did not open.

Now they want Bluewater to play fair by making every store open or by closing the whole centre next Boxing Day.

A clothing store manager, who asked not to be named, says his company will be writing to Bluewater saying it is not prepared to open next year unless everyone opens.

He counted 29 stores with their doors closed in the centre, including Marks & Spencer, Apple, John Lewis and the Early Learning Centre.

And manager of Oil & Vinegar Kay Smith expects consequences after her store unexpectedly had to close.

A staff member with store keys failed to return from spending Christmas in Scotland, leaving shop staff locked out and unable to open up.

She said: "We will probably get repercussions from it.

"It is terrible to be forced to open through the festive period and family time."

Many of the large stores were closed because of a nationwide policy by head offices.

Assistant manager of Accessorize Peter Scott said: "It's bizarre they were not open."

A spokesman for Bluewater said: "For a shopping centre to work it's in everybody's interest when customers know it's open, they know a number of shops will be open.

"At the end of the day Bluewater is there to help.

"It's in everyone's interest to help each other."


SHOPPING STATISTICS

Bluewater estimates more than 75,000 shoppers visited the centre on Boxing Day followed by 150,000 visitors on December 27.

For the week December 26 to January 1 900,000 people were expected to spend more than £200m.