MORE than a quarter of town shops have signed up to be part of Evesham’s newly-launched loyalty card scheme.

The YES campaign or Your Evesham Shops, began on Monday and shoppers wanting to take part to be in with a chance of winning £1,000 to spend in the town can grab a card from any of the participating shops.

Shawn Riley, Evesham Market Town Partnership manager, said they hoped to get 100 businesses involved in the scheme.

He said: “Hopefully, this initiative will encourage local people to support the town’s independent shops, restaurants, cafes, museums and arts centres as much as possible.”

Shoppers can enter the monthly draw once they have 10 stamps on the card and they will get one stamp every time they spend £1 or more in a participating store.

Jo Sowerby, who helps to run family business Shoe and Boot in Market Square said: “The fact there is something positive that may come out of something so challenging is great. It is so nice to see people care.”

The campaign, which will run for a year, is part of measures being put in place to help shops in Evesham while work is taking place on the rebuilding of Abbey Bridge.

It is being funded by Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council and Evesham Market Town Partnership.

Businesses may also be entitled to reduced business rates and parking will cost just 20p for three hours while the bridge is closed for 13 weeks next summer.

For more information or to sign up visit eveshamloyaltyscheme.co.uk or eveshamtown.co.uk/index.php/enjoy/loyaltycard