STORE owners in Bolton town centre have been warned that they could face a rebellion from staff if they decide to change opening hours.

As revealed exclusively in last night's BEN, a major change to shop opening hours is being considered within the town centre.

But some staff working in the stores have reacted angrily.

The initiative, it was reported, could see some stores opening their doors at 11am instead of 9am, and remaining open until late into the evening.

A spokesman for one group of shop assistants at one of the town's main stores, said: "A massive percentage of shop workers in the town are women and mothers.

"It is all very well highlighting the benefits to shoppers, but what about the people who have to work these hours?

"Many of us are parents would have to give up our jobs. The only time we regularly have to work late at the moment is at Christmas, and for that short spell of time it places a tremendous strain on many of us.

"We open late on a Thursday night and the trade is ridiculous - no one comes in. So this latest proposal is a shot out of the blue.

"It came as quite a shock to read the article yesterday because we have heard nothing. It has generated a lot of disappointment and worry.

"I have friends who work at the Trafford Centre and they say the hours are diabolical. It makes it almost impossible to be a proper parent and destroys your social life."

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