NEW Forest West MP Desmond Swayne launched a loyalty discount scheme that is set to keep Ringwood tills merrily ringing right through the recession.

About 80 businesses have signed up to give discounts of between five and 20 per cent to people with vouchers in their pockets.

The scheme to keep shoppers spending in Ringwood was put together by businessman and pedal car grand prix organiser Jim Stride.

At the launch, Mr Swayne said tough times were ahead. Retailers had to offer value, quality goods and a quality shopping experience.

“Ringwood has all these things in abundance and I’m really glad to see that we’re staying ahead of the game by offering this scheme,” he said.

Town Mayor Cllr Brian Terry paid tribute to Mr Stride and his colleagues.

“They are nothing but treasures to Ringwood and I wish them every success, and to all those who use the shops in Ringwood,” he said.

Daily Echo editor Neal Butterworth said Mr Stride first made contact about the Pedal Car Grand Prix 18 months ago. More recently it was to promote the Ringwood Loyalty Discount Scheme.

“We just thought it was a fantastic idea,” he said.

“You need someone like Jim Stride in every town in Hampshire.”

Mr Stride said: “I’m so pleased to see that we are getting so much publicity. We want to see more people coming into Ringwood to enjoy the town and enjoy the shops.”

Jemma Pipe, who has helped Mr Stride with the project, said the recession had made “the town significantly quieter than last year”.

She is right behind the Loyalty Discount Scheme.

“It is a very positive thing for everybody to join together as a community,” she said.