Free bags for "local shoppers" (From Gazette Series)

Free bags for "local shoppers"

SHOPPERS in Wotton-under-Edge have shown their support for local traders and Dursley folk are now being encouraged to do the same.

On Saturday, Elizabeth Warren, Wotton mayor and town councillor June Cordwell handed out free Shop Local canvas shopping bags, emblazoned with the Shop Local emblem and the town's own symbol.

Shop Local is a Stroud District Council campaign to encourage shoppers to buy from independent traders not supermarkets.

Cllr June Cordwell said the Shop Local campaign had made a promising start. She said: "It was really, really successful.

"We handed out the bags in the farmers' market and everybody was taking them. "I really hope this campaign makes people think about where they get their shopping from."

Diana Pawlowski, organiser of Wotton-under-Edge farmers' market, said the Shop Local campaign would help the monthly farmers' markets.

She said: "Lots of the bags were distributed and it was good to see people use them.

"Hopefully this new campaign will give local traders a chance and boost the monthly farmers' market."

This weekend Shop Local is being launched in Dursley and will coincide with its monthly farmers' market.

A range of events and competitions are planned for this weekend including the opening of the new Vale Vision shop in Long Street where people will be able to view the extensive plans outlined for the re-development of Dursley.

The Learning Community is also hosting an event giving people another chance to take part in the Test the Town challenge above the farmers' market in the town hall.

For children, there will be an Easter bunny hunt, egg decorating and a bouncy castle and fairground organ on the lawns of St James the Great Church.

Adults will also be encouraged to enter the fun with a competition being held for the most unusual object bought on the day. The winner will receive a hamper from the farmers' market.

For more information contact Shirley Hill on 01453 549208.