TRADERS in Selby are offering discounts to shoppers as part of a new scheme to support local businesses.

The Selby District Savers Card is the latest scheme to help the high street, with savings and discounts on offer for shoppers who visit local businesses.

Organised by the Selby Town Enterprise Partnership, traders and the district council, the new scheme had been set up to help traders in the run up to Christmas, and businesses already signed up include Heaven & Home, Rooms for All, the Escapologist, Nico’s Barbershop, Mollie Sharp’s Cheese and Deli, Kitty Elisse, J & B Flowers, Wetherells, Gotches, Jolly Sailor Brewery and Wimbles Carpets & Flooring, but more are expected to be announced in coming weeks.

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, Executive member for Communities and Economic Development at Selby District Council, said the scheme would benefit the town as a whole.

Cllr Metcalfe said: "At this time of year we’re all keeping an eye out for bargains and offers – and this scheme offers them now and for the rest of the year too.

"The launch of this scheme shows that we value the range of shops and we want to encourage local residents to visit and support them. This is a terrific initiative by local traders to give additional support to their customers at a time when we’re all keeping an eye out for bargains and offers."

Cllr Metcalfe said the new partnership would also be helped by the council offering free parking at all its car parks every Saturday throughout December and training on offer to local traders about accessing finance, funding and improving their businesses.

He said: "We want to make our district a great place to do business – and we have the support available to local businesses to make this happen.

"We have a good variety of shops selling a wide range of products to meet everybody’s needs – so this Christmas save money, grab a bargain and shop locally.

Savers cards are available in all of the participating stores - which can also be identified by stickers in their windows - and businesses can get involved by emailing hgreen@selby.gov.uk