Town to get its own currency

Environmental group Transition Town Lewes (TTL) has already attracted interest in the idea and is set to launch a six-month pilot scheme to launch the Lewes Pound in September.

People will be able to use the new currency in local participating shops and amongst themselves.

The aim is to encourage people to buy and produce locally and keep more money in the pockets of local businesses.

Adrienne Campbell, who is part of TTL's currency group, said: 'We want to keep wealth local, this is all about supporting local businesses and self-employment.

'TTL is all about localisation, because of rising oil prices, the need to stop using fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint.

'A complementary currency will mean more business for local shops and better customer loyalty.

'For the town, it helps to strengthen community spirit and perhaps most importantly it also means that more of the money spent by local people stays circulating in the local economy, instead of leaking out into the profits of large, distant corporations.'

The group has stressed the Lewes Pound would be a complementary currency and the aim is for it work alongside pound sterling.

Similar schemes are already up and running in the UK and can be changed back to sterling at any time.

For more information call 01273 252077.