Shoppers will be encourged to buy locally with a loyalty bonus scheme being launched across Herne Bay.

The BAY Card comes out at the end of the month entitling holders to discounts and special offers at participating shops and businesses. A total of 20,000 will be sent to town residents.

It is the brainchild of town centre co-ordinator Chris West.

“In these difficult times we are looking at ways to assist local businesses and improve the town’s economy,” he said. “We are launching the BAY Card to encourage the local community to use Herne Bay businesses.”

The card is sponsored by KCC councillors Jean Law and David Hirst, and supported by the KM Group, the Herne Bay Town Partners and Canterbury City Council.

Its launch comes hot on the heels of Mr West’s plea to get people Back to BAYsics, a campaign endorsed by the KM Group.

“We want to encourage people to come along and make shopping a pleasurable experience,” he said.

“We want a return to the old-fashioned sense of community in the High Street, the days when people knew their butcher, their baker.”

For a downloadable application form click here...