![\"BBC](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/8081\/live\/456b07e0-9c25-11ef-9260-19e6a950e830.jpg.webp\")
BBC<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\nTesco has been accused of dividing an island community after deciding to open the local supermarket on Sundays.<\/p>\n
The Isle of Lewis has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath and more than 1,800 people have signed an online petition against the supermarket’s move.<\/p>\n
Stornoway Community Council said debate over the decision had caused division and has asked Tesco to reconsider.<\/p>\n
Tesco has been approached for comment, but previously said it had received a “significant amount” of positive reaction to the plans. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The store in Stornoway is due to open on Sundays from 17 November.<\/p>\n
The community council said some islanders felt “extremely strongly” about Sunday openings. <\/p>\n
It added that not all opponents to the move were churchgoers.<\/p>\n
In an open letter to Tesco, it said: “Regrettably the language on both sides of the debate has occasionally been somewhat intemperate.<\/p>\n
“Doubtless it was unintentional, but Tesco’s decision has clearly divided our community.”<\/p>\n
It added: “It is still not too late to change your mind and restore harmony to our community.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
‘Remaining respectful’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nTesco has previously said the new opening times would create jobs and no members of staff would be forced to work on a Sunday.<\/p>\n
Christian Davies, Tesco store director in the Highlands and Islands, told BBC Scotland News last month<\/a>: “We are confident that the decision to open our Stornoway superstore on Sundays will allow us to balance the demand for seven-day opening while remaining respectful to local traditions and culture.<\/p>\n“Of course, we understand that not everyone supports opening the store seven days a week and we will adopt a unique approach to Stornoway with shorter opening times on a Sunday than other locations in Scotland.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Tesco has previously said the new opening times would create jobs and no members of staff would be forced to work on a Sunday.<\/p>\n
Christian Davies, Tesco store director in the Highlands and Islands, told BBC Scotland News last month<\/a>: “We are confident that the decision to open our Stornoway superstore on Sundays will allow us to balance the demand for seven-day opening while remaining respectful to local traditions and culture.<\/p>\n “Of course, we understand that not everyone supports opening the store seven days a week and we will adopt a unique approach to Stornoway with shorter opening times on a Sunday than other locations in Scotland.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n