As the ‘Spend Local’ cards hit our doormats, Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are encouraging everyone to hit the High Street to support our retail and hospitality businesses, key employment sectors and vital components of our local economy.
Whilst having a £100 voucher to indulge in a little retail therapy is a very welcome addition to our pockets, it is essential that Borough residents use the card to spend locally and help those businesses that have been hardedst hit during the pandemic.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Glenn Barr is encouraging local residents to prioritise local spending in conjunction with the Council’s decision not to accept the Shop Local cards. The Lord Major said
“The introduction of the prepaid card, as part of the NI Executive’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery programme, is a much appreciated gesture after a very difficult period for us all. However, we must remember that the main incentive for the scheme is to encourage local spending and support our local businesses to boost the local economy.
To help support businesses in the borough, it has been agreed by Council that the card will not be accepted in council facilities or for council services which require payment, to ensure those that require the support most will benefit from this initiative. Independent organisations operating on council premises will still be able to accept the vouchers.
If you have not already done so, I would encourage you to apply for your card online or by telephone by Monday 25 October with the last opportunity to use the card on Tuesday 30 November 2021.
Let’s use this opportunity to help bring many more customers back to our local high streets in our city, towns and villages.”
Further details on the High Street spend local scheme and to apply for your card can be found on the NI Direct website at www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-high-street-scheme-spend-local-prepaid-card
