TIDWORTH residents can support local businesses and get discounts on their shopping with a loyalty card.

The Lifestyle Card has more than 700 local discounts which include independent businesses, cinema discounts plus well-known brands.

To show its support for local businesses, Tidworth Town Council will purchase 300 cards that will be distributed to its regular hall hirers and to staff in local businesses and shops.

Residents can purchase the cards via the council's website at a discounted rate.

Tidworth mayor, Councillor Mark Connolly said: “I have been looking for ways in which town council could help local businesses and this seems like an ideal way for the council to invest in the local economy.”

He added “I would encourage all local businesses to take part in this scheme and ask as many residents as possible to purchase the card from the council’s website so that they can start making savings and boost the local economy.”

Sean and Fiona Caruana, of the Lifestyle Card, will distribute the cards to Tidworth businesses and retail outlets and encourage them to be listed on the card’s website for free. They added: “We are delighted to be working with Tidworth Town Council in attracting footfall into the Tidworth town centre, as more than ever, supporting local is paramount.”

They added “Our cards offer people opportunities to save money covering all aspects of their lifestyle whilst supporting local business. For businesses, we offer a free designated page on our website to increase their visibility and enhance their digital presence, attracting potential customers from our 7000+members. The only cost to them is their incentive to our members, which they decide upon. We look forward to welcoming Tidworth and district businesses on board.”

Kristen Smith, the chair of Tidworth Chamber of Commerce said: “Now, more than ever, we must unite to support our local economy. Most importantly, local businesses require as much support from consumers within our locality and consumers require value for money whilst working within more stringent budgets.”

She added: “This incentive will be a key driver to encourage spend and increase buying power to further increase revenue efficiency for all concerned, whilst we rebuild our local economy. The loyalty scheme allows for a community to come together and support Tidworth and its district. I would like to thank everyone who has shown their support to date and urge everyone to stay safe and shop local.”

A year’s membership will be at a discounted rate of £30 at tidworthtowncouncil.gov.uk or for more details go to thelifestylecard.co.uk