NELSON shoppers are being urged to "keep it local" and buy their goods in the town to save businesses from going bust.

A big campaign has been launched to promote shopping within Nelson by encouraging customer loyalty within the town.

A total of 68 Nelson businesses will be receiving 'Keep it Local' carrier bags this week to mark its launch.

Pendle Council hope the drive will see residents turn their back on big shopping centres to flock to local shops and boost their prosperity.

Last year traders were furious after claiming they lost trade because of work on a £4million redevelopment of the shopping centre.

They were also angered by the painting of the centre in one of the busiest periods of the year - the month running up to Christmas.

But they have welcomed the new initiative.

Kevin Wareing, owner of the Music Box, in Admiral Market Place, said: "I'm all for this if it encourages people to shop locally. I think it's a good idea."

Coun Allan Buck, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: "Nelson has got plenty to offer local shoppers; we have got clothes shops, food shops, places to eat and drink and a great market.

"What makes Nelson really special though is its friendly atmosphere and the personal touch that is sometimes lacking in big department stores.

"We want to keep Nelson residents shopping in Nelson because without them the town's economy will really suffer, so come on people keep it local!"

A range of shops from green grocers, jewellers and butchers through to charity shops will be using over 20,000 of the bags.

They are funded by the North West Development Agency and Pendle Partnership and have been sponsored by Barclays Bank.

Pendle Council's Georgina Chislett, who organised the initiative, said: "The initial idea for the bags came from the Admiral Market's 'Keep it Local' Campaign which we have now extended across the wider business community.

"The design for the bag is based on ideas from local businesses."

For more information on the campaign contact Georgina Pendle Council's Assistant Regeneration Officer on 01282 661677 or e-mail georgina.chislett@pendle.gov.uk