TRADERS are launching a loyalty card as they fight to boost business on Shildon high street with offers to attract customers.

Shildon Chamber of Trade, which began earlier this year, is behind the scheme to try to generate an economic boost for the market town.

Holders of the card will be able to grab discounts from chamber of trade members within Shildon.

Each business will set its own level of discount as part of the scheme. The card is to be launched on Friday, December 5, at the town’s Christmas fair.

Normally the loyalty cards will cost £5 to buy from chamber of trade members but they will be £2.50 to buy on the launch day.

Chris Bowman, president of the chamber, said: “We’re just about ready to get this up and running and we’re getting the cards ready.

“Hopefully it will bring people into Shildon and to then keep them here so that they spend money in the town.

“We have got around 30 members, who are all taking part, and that is a good number of businesses for a town of this size.

“Chamber of trade members will have stickers in their windows in order to show that they’re part of the scheme. Everyone is looking forward to it.”

High street giants Costa Coffee and Morrisons, who have stores in Shildon, have been approached about joining the scheme but they have yet to decide on the subject.

Many of the businesses involved are based on the main shopping drag of Church Street with some of the traders dotted in other areas of the town.

Classy Pawz Dog Grooming, on the Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, is one of the businesses involved.

Jayne Petty, co-owner of Classy Pawz, said: “We’re trying to get established and hopefully this will help us to drag people in.

“We’re full up to Christmas and then quiet in January and so we could offer customers in December a discount for January or other special offers.”

Glen Neilson, of Sweet Greetings, on Church Street, already runs a loyalty card for his customers. He has also signed up for the chamber of trade card.

He said: “It’s designed to reward customers. It’s good that everyone in the chamber is signing up.

“It’s another way to draw people into Shildon to help to boost the town. It’s good that the town has come together to help each other.”