The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has introduced a Bill in the House of Lords to amend the Sunday Trading Act 1994 and extend the hours garden centres can trade on Sunday.
The Bill, which also seeks to allow centres to trade on Easter Sunday, will receive a second reading in May when the Bill's sponsor, the Earl of Courtown, introduces the debate.

The Bill passes the power to the local planning authorities to decide when garden centres should be allowed to open.

Although the Bill is unlikely to make it through both the Lords and Commons this session, the HTA is keen that it is rigorously tested before being promoted to the Lower House.

David Gwyther, director general of the HTA, said: "With garden centres conducting much of their trade on a Sunday and a very short growing season, any extension to their current trading will have a significant positive impact on their turnover and relieve the frustrations currently felt by the gardening public by restricted opening hours.

"The second reading will promote debate and ensure the issues will receive a wide hearing with Government and the Opposition. I am optimistic this will lead to better trading conditions for garden centres in years to come."