AN INNOVATIVE shopping scheme to encourage more people to spend in Christchurch and Highcliffe will launch next week.

The Totally Locally campaign, which has been taken up by several towns across the UK, could see Christchurch’s economy boosted by an extra £8.2million a year, should the scheme be embraced by residents and traders.

The initiative’s message is that if everyone in Christchurch spent just £5 a week in local independent shops, the boost to the town would help ensure its survival.

Led by local businesswoman, Cheryl Dennett, the first meeting of the shop local campaign will take place on Tuesday January 15 at the Fire Station in Fairmile Road, Christchurch at 7pm.

Cheryl said: “This is a chance for locals to discover Christchurch and Highcliffe’s great shops and businesses and the real difference they make to our town.

“Many local business owners have expressed great concern of new supermarkets opening in Christchurch and Highcliffe. Although we are getting through the recession without our high streets looking derelict as many others are, we are all aware that we need to keep ahead of the game.

“Many local businesses cannot afford the kind of marketing budget that these larger supermarkets can and Totally Locally offers a marketing kit for any town for absolutely nothing.

“What it will cost however, is a little bit of people’s time and effort starting with coming along to the meeting, hearing how it all works and how they can get involved.

“You could say there’s a bit of a buzz on the street right now and residents both old and new are taking a real interest in what’s happening and want to be a part of it.

“I guess we want to find a way to celebrate all the good things happening and to help keep Christchurch and Highcliffe on the map.

“There are so many good people here who really care about their town, are proud of its heritage and want to be a part of its bright future. I’m just one of them.”

Totally Locally was created in 2009 in West Yorkshire by Chris Sands and Nigel Goddard.

Nigel said: “These small businesses support many other local businesses, which keep the economy alive. It’s what the whole fabric of a town like this is built on.”

For more information go to totally-locally.co.uk