Discount card for shoppers to boost town centre trade

A NEW scheme will help boost trade in Wokingham’s town centre – and save shoppers money into the bargain.

People signing up to the Wokingham Community Card will be supporting local businesses and charities. To take part, they pay a monthly £2 subscription or £20 for the whole year.

Organisers said that for less than the price of a cup of coffee, residents can become members of the scheme and then save money while shopping in the town centre.

And the scheme will also donate 10% of is profit back into the local community.

So far, 18 retailers have signed up to the scheme including Stefan’s Butchers, Strange The Jewellers and Heidi Avery.

Estate agent David Cliff in Peach Street is offering a £150 charity donation for customers successfully buying or renting a home with them, while Bar 56 in Rose Street offers a lunchtime discount of 15% with the card.

The scheme has been set up by Kevin Richards (pictured), who has been a resident of Wokingham for more than 35 years.

“I’ve been a resident here since I was nine. It used to be a vibrant market town, but there’s less people going to Wokingham to do shopping,” he explained.

“People are choosing to go elsewhere rather than shop in the town centre, so I wanted to help and to help create Wokingham’s community.

“As a resident you get benefits in the savings, the retailers gain because they get more footfall and 10% each year will go to local charities.”

And Mr Richards said that these good causes will be voted on by users of its Facebook group.

The cards were launched last week and already people are reporting on savings.

“One of its customers said that they had saved £6.96 in just three shops.

“We’ve been getting a constant trickle of sign-ups, it’s a constant daily flow which we hope will start to grow.”

And although sign-ups are by the company’s website, it will be possible to get a discount card without going online.

“We know not everyone likes purchasing things online, so call our helpline and we can work with you on cash or cheque.”

For more details, log on to www.wokinghamcommunitycard.co.uk or call