Pudsey Pound offers timely boost to town trade after lockdown

A Pudsey lottery is set to support businesses looking to bounce back following lockdown – and encourage people to shop local.

Pudsey Business Network Forum, which was revamped last year to support businesses in the town, is pioneering the Pudsey Lottery, which will pay out in Pudsey Pounds to be spent in local shops, market and businesses.

Now the Network is looking to launch in July with the first draw set to take place on the first Tuesday in August (4th).

Full details will be hand-delivered to as many businesses as possible over the coming weeks explaining how it will work and encouraging them to participate.

The lottery idea comes from forum chair Cllr Trish Smith (Cons, Pudsey). She said:

“Our businesses all need support from every one of us to make sure they survive after being closed for so long. This is an exciting initiative for Pudsey, and it’s good to see the town leading the way to support our high street and businesses.

“This is now a major part of our support measures to help ensure our high street, market, pubs, clubs, restaurants and all Pudsey businesses thrive in these challenging times.

“The lottery is completely non-political and we’ll be launching very soon so please keep an eye out, and support if you can.”

The Business Network Forum usually meets monthly and the lottery has support from the team at Ison Harrison Solicitors. Cllr Smith added:

“This should give a much-needed shot in the arm for our local economy and may even give us a point of difference to other businesses looking for a retail space.”

Pudsey Wellbeing support

A volunteer-led social hub which provides activities for the community has been given a vital lifeline through a council grant.

Pudsey Wellbeing Charity was struggling after its base at Cafe Lux, off Robin Lane, was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Cllr Smith, a trustee, said:

“This all put the future of the charity into jeopardy, which would have been a huge loss to so many in the community.

“As ward councillor, I am delighted to have been able to ensure the charity will now receive the grant they were entitled to, plus a full refund of all business rates paid so far in 2020, thereby helping to secure its future.”