BUSINESSES in Droitwich Spa will be given a boost in 2014 after a major scheme was launched to encourage regular shoppers to the town.

The Droitwich Spa Business Forum has now started a loyalty initiative to help existing businesses and reward those buying locally.

The Devotion Loyalty Scheme consists of a card that will have stamps fixed to it by participating stores. More than 30 Spa-based businesses have already signed up free of charge.

When a shopper’s card is full with stamps it can be entered into a draw each month for a minimum of £25 of vouchers to be spent with the participating businesses.

In some months there will be additional prizes – as there is for the first monthly draw at the end of January.

The scheme includes not only shops but also services, professional and other commercial enterprises.

Cards can be obtained from participating businesses and when a card is full it can be entered at any time by posting or dropping it in boxes placed around the town. A new card can then be obtained from supporting businesses for future monthly draws.

There are similar schemes already running very successfully in Pershore and Evesham.

Keith Westray, from Droitwich Spa Business Forum, said “We are sure that residents of Droitwich Spa are just as proud of our local business community as the other towns are, and we hope they will show their devotion by obtaining their loyalty card and will shop and deal locally as much as possible.

"There is pressure on the town’s business community from a host of sources, including the internet and the lure of out-of-town shopping, as well as the need for maintaining their premises and paying their taxes. Occasionally it may cost a few pence more to shop locally, but if the town’s character and economic wellbeing is to survive then support from the town’s residents and the local area is vital.”

Full details of the scheme are printed on the Devotion Loyalty Card and at droitwichspa.com.

The website also has a search facility which helps shoppers see the wide range of goods and services that can be obtained in the town.

The first draw at the end of January will be for a dinner for four with sparkling wine on arrival donated by the St Andrews Town Hotel, £25 of shopping voucher and a four ball match at Gaudet Luce Golf Club.