IT has already been hailed a success by traders and businesses but the man behind the Ringwood+Loyalty+Discount">Ringwood Loyalty Discount Scheme has promised it is set to get bigger and better.

Jim Stride, who started the scheme seven months ago due to concerns about the number of businesses struggling to survive in the difficult economic climate, has been working with fellow local businesswoman Deborah Holmes to expand the scheme.

The new model will centre on shoppers purchasing a £2 credit-card style card and will be available in January and valid for 12 months.

It aims to give businesses more flexibility over the type of discounts and deals they offer customers with many of them set to be listed on a new website, which is currently being created.

Mr Stride said: “We’ve been asking local traders if they would consider signing up to this new style and the results have been really positive.

“As well as the businesses that are already taking part in the current scheme, more traders want to take part in our new project – it’s really encouraging.”

Various towns looking to improve customer footfall in their high streets and shopping centres have adopted the popular voucher scheme.

Mr Stride was also invited to a Hampshire County Council workshop to promote the scheme in other areas.

He added: “The scheme has brought vitality to the town centre and although some stores have fared a lot better than others, it has been a success.

“It is making people focus upon Ringwood and people are coming from all over the place. It’s put the town on the map.”

For October’s voucher click link below