Businesses split over great Euro debate

While some traders feel joining the Euro would make little difference to their businesses, others fear Britain would lose control of its economy, and that it could lead to price rises and a loss of national identity.

Regarding the new draft European constitution, North Wiltshire MP James Gray warned: "It would be the end of Great Britain. We would be finished as a nation."

But North Wiltshire Liberal Democrat Ruth Coleman responded: "That's apocalyptic nonsense. We're one of the largest members. We'll certainly be a major player and the other members want us to be a more enthusiastic player too."

Many local people feel un-informed and that they lack an understanding of what the new constitution involves - which leaves them in a poor position to make a clear judgement about the pros and cons of the constitution and the joining of the common currency.

Eurosceptic Tony Gray, proprietor of Ducks Toyshop in Marlborough, feared Britain would completely lose control of its own affairs if the Government signed up to the constitution and joined the common currency.

"We should have a referendum. I think the strength of feeling would shock Tony Blair," he said.

"And if we had a referendum I would be flying the Union Flag, as I did when the French market was here.

"We should steer well clear of the constitution. Britain has always been in control of its own destiny."

Devizes trader Tony Duck, of newsagents EF Duck and Son, said he took a pragmatic approach to the whole issue and considered it on purely economic terms.

"If it would be beneficial for us to join, then we should, and if not, we should not," he said.

"At the moment I am not clear on that issue, but there are tests the Government has laid out."

He said his own business would not be much affected if Britain adopted the Euro because trade was very localised.

"It doesn't make much difference what we are paid in," he said. "As an individual there would be advantages because it would simplify travel.

"In Britain we are not as well informed as in other countries. In Denmark every household was given a copy of the Maastricht Treaty before they voted on it."

Chippenham accountant Ian Lloyd, president of the town's chamber of commerce, said he was personally in the middle, regarding the argument over closer European integration.

"I can see lots of benefits in the countries where they use the Euro, but businesses in Britain can see lots of problems too. We need to be open minded," he said.

"Using the same currency would make things more understandable, and the degree of uncertainty over exchange rates can make problems for Britain."

He said most people did not understand the issues enough.

Caroline Clarkson-Cowles, of Carrie's Hairdressers in Marlborough and a member of the town's chamber of commerce, said she did not have a problem with the introduction of the Euro.

"Anything that brings extra business in is good," she said. "However I would be concerned that prices might go up.

"I don't know much about the new constitution but we should have a referendum on it."

Jo Edwards, of Devizes Books, is president of Devizes Chamber of Commerce, and admitted she was personally anti-Euro.

"I do not feel we need to be the same as everybody else. We should keep our own identity. I have heard that in countries where the Euro was introduced prices shot up," she said.

"Being part of Europe hasn't done us any favours whatsoever."

She said local Wessex chambers were meeting to discuss this issue at Cumberwell Park near Bradford on Avon on Friday May 30.

Long-time Eurosceptic James Gray MP said there was an argument that in order to compete in the world economy with the USA and the Far East we should have a United States of Europe with a centralised government, a 250 million population and one currency but it was not an opinion he shared at all.

"In my view the sensible unit of Government is to have 55 million people on this island, with one history, language and culture and a Government in Westminster," he said.

Mr Gray said he felt there were no good arguments for joining the Euro and considered it was a purely political device to allow France and Germany to establish ascendancy over Europe.

"The Government hoped they could waft the new constitution through and no-one would spot it," he said, warning it would mean Britain no longer made its own policies on issues like transport and the environment.

Coun Coleman said a new constitution was essential because of the increasing size of the EU, with the original six members now heading for 25, and negotiations ongoing for another three members.

Economic sense or an excuse to hike prices?

Self-employed Sally Rankine, 47, from Colerne, was concerned about price rises if the Euro were introduced. "I heard on the radio that prices have gone up in France," she said.

Self-employed Sally Rankine, 47, from Colerne, was concerned about price rises if the Euro were introduced. "I heard on the radio that prices have gone up in France," she said.

Chris Brasier, 29, a nurse from Chippenham, also opposed Britain's adoption of the Euro. "We need to keep out own identity. I don't want Britain run by Brussels," he said.

Steve Smith, a police officer working in Chippenham, thought Britain should join the Euro. "It would make sound economic sense from an export point of view," he said.

Elaine Cole, a solicitor from Yatton Keynell, did not want Britain to join the common currency.

"I think it would be the thin end of the wedge, devolving power to an unelected body," she said.

Chippenham student Louise Michael, 18, said joining the Euro would be good for the economy and would make trading fair. "My parents trade abroad and would find it a lot easier," she said.

Student Zoe Holborough, 17, studying at Chippenham College, said: "It would bring Europe more together. I think there would be benefits for us."