THOUSANDS of people have signed a petition calling for a new bank holiday in memory of the queen – but Gazette readers described it as a “stupid idea”.

The petition called for a new annual bank holiday to mark the passing of the monarch.

But the move divided Gazette readers.

Hannah Jo Roberts said: “The only people who sign things like this are people in offices and such like. People in retail, police, ambulance and things don’t because bank holidays don’t matter to them.”

Matthew Gray said: “Honestly, it is a stupid idea. In a few years time people would be saying 'Why are we having this dumb holiday?'

“I fully understand the idea and emotion behind it, but that's all it is, current emotion.

“People don't generally ask for a day off work every anniversary of their parents'/grandparents' deaths.”

Marion Fowler added: “Bank holidays are meaningless now that everything is open 24/7.”

But other readers backed the idea.

Paul Jefferies said: “I wouldn't be opposed to a QE2 Bank Holiday but, if we can only have one, I think more important would be a Rememberance Day Bank Holiday on or as close as possible to November 11.”

Jus Carroll added: “We have the least bank holidays of pretty much every country in Europe. A few more for whatever reason would be good.”