Loyalty initiative launched in district

Businesses across north Shropshire and Oswestry are set to get a boost from a loyalty scheme being launched this month.

The Shop Local scheme is aimed at encouraging people to use traders from their own town, and is being launched in Market Drayton, Whitchurch, Ellesmere, Wem and Oswestry.

The initiative has been created by the North Shropshire Economic Development Forum. Businesses will have to pay to join the scheme and cards would then be sold to residents.

The idea is that people will be encouraged to take advantage of the special offers and local traders will get a boost. The scheme was funded by a £5,000 grant from North Shropshire District Council.

Victoria Rees, Shop Local project manager, said nearly 200 loyalty cards had been sold, adding: "Local businesses need something like this, so we can all benefit."

Owen Paterson, MP for north Shropshire, said: "Everyone involved has worked had to bring this project to fruition and I wish them every success."

Loyalty cards, which cost £2.50 each, are available from Suite Four, Glovers Meadow on the Maesbury Road Industrial Estate in Oswestry, or by calling in at any shop displaying the Shop Local logo.

More information is available online at www.shoplo calns.com, or by calling Victoria on 07971 750599 or 08443 577299.