BUSINESS chiefs have come up with an innovative way to encourage people to shop locally and preserve a seaside resort’s unique character.

The My Southwold campaign aims to attract people back into independent stores with the help of a new loyalty card – providing money-saving offers in more than 30 shops and businesses. The initiative has been launched by the Southwold Chamber of Trade to help secure the long-term future of independent traders.

It follows the chamber’s previous campaign in December to combat the arrival of WH Smith and Tesco in the town.

Since then, local traders and councillors have also expressed their concerns over proposals by the national chain Costa Coffee to open a new caf� at 70, High Street – formerly Fanny & Frank’s clothes shop.

However, the chamber said the new campaign would provide greater incentives to shoppers by “giving something back” if they used an independent shop or business.

Chairman Guy Mitchell said: “The previous campaign encouraged people to think about where they were spending their money. But this campaign will give something back to the consumer.

“With their interaction with independent shops, they receive a direct benefit from the participants. We know our customers love having lots of independent shops rather than relying solely on national retail brands.

“The My Southwold campaign is a rare opportunity to not only enjoy all Southwold has to offer, but it can play an important role in the future of this very special town.”

Local marketing consultancy firm Savagewood and creative agency Spring helped develop the initiative. The loyalty cards have been delivered to homes in Southwold and Reydon and are on offer at local businesses. Offers will change every month.

Visit www.mysouthwold.co.uk for more details.