A NEW Shop Local scheme has finally launched in Bradford on Avon, giving residents and visitors to the town discounts on products sold by local retailers.

It will enable businesses to make bespoke offers available to residents and visitors wanting to support local shops and businesses.

Users are now able to collect their wallet-sized card and start saving at over 25 businesses across the local community.

Town council leader Dominic Newton said:

“Supporting our local businesses is more important now than it ever has been – helping our local economy to sustainably rebuild is an effective way of maintaining a resilient community, which we have all seen the vital importance of in the last few months.

"Some of our independent businesses were forced to close for the duration of lockdown – placing huge pressure on them and their employees, despite government support.

"Others were able to stay open and played a huge role in meeting community needs.

"Over lockdown, many of us also realised, perhaps for the first time, what was on offer in our town.

"The Shop Local card is a way of continuing to improve that relationship, and help those businesses stay afloat – while allowing everyone, whether resident or visitor, to explore and enjoy the town that little bit more.”

The Shop Local cards are available from the Bradford on Avon Tourist Information Centre, participating businesses and the town council office next to St Margaret's Hall.

Marni Poole, from Dible & Roy Interiors, who have joined the scheme, said: "We have such a great community in Bradford on Avon and people seem keen to shop locally, so we are delighted to be able to offer special deals and promotions to them and hope that this builds on the positive attitude we’ve seen all around our town in recent months.”

Dible & Roy Interiors is offering ten per cent off all non-sale furnishings and giftware as part of the scheme.

Its aim is to give a boost to the local economy and encourage interest in special offers.

The council says it will raise awareness of what local businesses have to offer.

Residents and visitors can find out about current offers via the Explore Bradford on Avon website www.bradfordonavon.co.uk