Why exactly was Chippenham shut yesterday?

I went into town, yesterday around 1:30 in the afternoon, and I was very supprised how only a few shops were actually open.

There were a considerable number of people wandering around very confused as to why nearly every shop was shut. It's a bank holiday and parking was free, it could have attracted many people for the sales, but no.

I think may retailers in the town missed a trick, and have set a money losing precedent!

I always find each business has their own way of dealing with the Christmas festivities and New Year. Some open and some don't.

I believe closing for Christmas fair enough but New Year's? I don't get why they would be closed. Odd.

I think it's a sad state of affairs, that the only thing people want to do on New Years day, is waste it nursing the hangover, because they follow all the other sheep and get ****ed the night before!

Yes Banks, offices etc should be open! I would love to not have to spend 8 days of my holidays entitlement, on days that I don't choose!