THE owners of a card and book shop have not paid a penny of their nearly £20,000 fines for refusing to close during lockdown, and are claiming there has been discrimination.

The owners of Grace Cards and Books have given an interview revealing more details of their legal fight following a recent fourth fine, of £10,000, for continuing to open despite not being being recognised as an essential trader.

In the interview the owners of the Droitwich shop, Alasdair and Lydia Walker-Cox, reveal that after the scenes captured in a viral youtube video - where West Mercia Police and Wychavon District Council officers are seen telling the owners they must close - just hours later they were handed a prohibition notice forcing them to shut or they faced being arrested.

In the video interview, posted on Rebel News’ Youtube channel on February 26, Mrs Walker-Cox said the shop is currently closed but lawyers are fighting it on the grounds the shop is a newsagent, as it sells Christian publications and food.

Mrs Walker Cox said: “The fact we sell Christian publications and newspapers, there is a bit of discrimination going on.

"Why can’t that be considered in the newsagent bracket, Christian news?

"We have monthly newspapers, magazines, daily Bible notes.

“We have had lost earnings as we have been closed down. If they want to take it further, that’s fine.

"We will have lost earnings on top of everything else, like damages.”

A letter sent by the owners' solicitors to the council, outlining the legal action, confirms the owners of the St Andrew’s Street shop have so far not paid any of the fines handed to them.

The letter says: “Even if a correctly drafted and valid notice had been served, we contend that the goods on sale entitle the business to be classed as newsagent and any correctly drafted prohibition notice would nevertheless still be invalid.”

Mr Walker-Cox said he hoped the letter will now force the council to back track, and allow them to reopen.

“We’ve got Mother’s Day coming up, we’ve got Easter coming up,” he said.

“Last year Easter was cancelled because of the first lockdown and it looks like it might be this year as well.

"We’ve got stock lined up waiting to sell and it’s there and we can’t sell it because we’re shut.”

The shop was fined £1,000, £2,000 and £4,000, before the £10,000 fine on February 10 for continuing to trade.

Wychavon District Council has previously said its officers had made it clear as the core of the business was selling cards, gifts, and other non-essential items the shop cannot open, but can continue to trade online and offer a delivery service.

Councillor Bradley Thomas, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “Despite the impact coronavirus regulations are having on businesses, the vast majority of our traders are following the rules because they want to play their part in bringing infections down to help protect our NHS and save lives.

“It’s disappointing this one particular business feels the need to flout the rules and we will work with our partners to take further action, if needed, to protect the public.”

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