More than 5,000 join town shop card drive

The loyalty card scheme aims to encourage people to do their shopping in the town centre, rather than visiting neighbouring areas or out-of-town shopping centres such as Meadowhall.

Rotherham Council's Cabinet member for economic development, planning and transportation, Gerald Smith, said it was "great to see the scheme working so well" and added: "I encourage every business to take part in this and every shopper to register for their card, as this is a win-win situation for the town centre and its shoppers."

The scheme, which was launched in Rotherham last month, is free for town centre businesses to join. Participating establishments, which include restaurants and hairdressing salons as well as shops, display the pink Shop Local sticker in their windows.

Rotherham Council's director of planning and regeneration, Paul

Woodcock, said: "Shop Local is the big campaign to increase footfall to the town centre and it's encouraging to see so many businesses signed up.

"The marketing and promotion of this scheme is crucial but we hope we've got the basics right. We have the offer and now it actually pays for people to shop here.

"With an increase of free events this year and new shops and market stalls opening up we feel Rotherham town centre has a lot to offer."

Shoppers can sign up to the Shop Local card online by visiting www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk. A Rotherham Council spokesman added: "People can also register at participating stores, or through the visitor centre and library."