Lewes to extend currency scheme 'to boost economic resilience'

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Local Government

Lewes is to extend a scheme which sees shoppers using a new currency in local shops beyond the one-year trial period, organisers have said.

More than 31,000 Lewes Pound notes have been issued since its introduction in September 2008 and the currency has been accepted alongside sterling by about 130 traders.

New Lewes Pound notes in denominations of £1, £5 and £10 will be issued in the town from July, with local artists and schools asked to develop the new designs.

Oliver Dudok van Heel, of the Lewes Pound Group, said: "The response to the trial phase has been overwhelming.

"There is clearly an appetite within Lewes to extend the scheme and ensure that this initiative further helps Lewes be a thriving and sustainable community."

Joint organisers Transition Town Lewes and the Lewes Pound Group said the initiative helped increase pride in the community, help cut CO2 emissions and boost economic resilience amid the global economic downturn by getting more people to shop locally.