Could Ludlow have pound of its own? (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Could Ludlow have pound of its own?

8:00am Monday 18th February 2013 in News

A MOVE to introduce a new currency is one way to generate extra business in Ludlow.

That’s the idea floated by environmental g roup Ludlow 21, in a bid to encourage people to shop locally.

Now the idea is back with L u d l o w Chamber of Trade, which is looking at whether or not it is viable.

“The idea of a local currency has been used successfully in other places i n c l u d i n g Bristol,” said Roger Furniss of Ludlow 21.

“It can encourage people to use local shops but does depend very much on the number of traders taking part in the scheme.”

Ludlow 21 is keen to encourage sustainability with people buying locally and using local produce.

It also reduced the environmental impact with less travel or the need to transport produce.

The group has about 60 members and runs the annual Green Festival that is staged in the town every August Bank Holiday weekend.

It is also behind the twice monthly local produce markets and runs a number of Fair Trade events in the town.

Ludlow 21 is also the driving force behind the car share scheme that will be launched in the town in March and promotes initiatives to get more people cycling.

“We are very active in the town and would very much welcome new members,”

added Roger Furniss.