Plans to encourage all townsfolk in St. George's to wear historic dress as a tourist attraction have been dropped by civic leaders because of objections from locals.

The St. George's Foundation floated the idea earlier this year in a bid to emulate historic towns in the United States like Williamsburg and Plymouth Plantation where all staff in museums and shops dress up.

But after a lukewarm response from shop staff in the Old Town, the Foundation intends to scale back its plans.

Foundation chairman David Rowntreee said one idea being considered was to devote a full week of events when everyone in St. George's dresses up.

It may be held next winter to coincide with St. George's being granted United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage status.

Mr. Rowntree said local staff had complained the outfits would be extremely hot in the summer, but more may wear them at some point in the winter months when it is cooler.

However, he is hopeful staff in museums and historic attractions will dress in period costume.

He told The Royal Gazette: "What we're talking about is one big event where the entire town can dress up.

"In Calgary, they have a whole week where everyone in the entire town dresses up and we may go down that road to organise something like that and promote it for tourists.

"We've been advertising to appoint someone with expertise, and one type of expertise would be event coordinating. We will make the appointment this year and hopefully the event will be next year.

"Our own staff at my business in St. George's (Crackerbox) are a little reluctant to (dress up) because the outfits are pretty hot and we can be sympathetic to their concerns.

"In the museums and places of historical value, we would expect guides to do this, but not the everyday bank teller or shop keeper."