First scheme to regenerate Rugeley launched

The cards have been given to residents by group Power for All to encourage them to spend their money locally and support independent businesses.

It comes after the group was formed to revamp the town in the wake of the Rugeley Power Station masterplan reveal.

More than 700 people have now joined the group, which has paid for more than 2,000 loyalty cards.

The last meeting of Power for All, which took place in November, heard that the group were in the early stages of talks to create a Neighbourhood Plan with Rugeley Town Council.

More than 60 independent businesses have now joined the scheme which sees residents pick up loyalty cards then receive a stamp for every £5 they spend.

When five stamps are collected the card can be either handed in to Sewtastic or Time for Tea, or a picture posted on the Facebook group with a comment about how you would like to see Rugeley regenerated, to be in with a chance to win £25 each week in January.

Niamh Mahon, from Power for All, said this is the first of monthly schemes which will be launched to boost the town.

She said: "There's a list of the shops that are participating, it's all independent shops no chains, and it's to promote the local businesses in the town.

"The idea is to try and encourage people to spend money in the town.

"A number of the shops have already requested extra cards, it's going really well.

"It's one of the first things we've done, we've got loads planned behind the scenes.

"The hope is that each month we will do something different."

Rugeley Lottery sponsored the new scheme.

The next Power for All meeting will be held from 6pm to 8.30pm at the Mansfield House on January 27.

For more information search for Power for All on Facebook or Twitter.