SUPPORT for the Free Press-led campaign to help the district's economy survive the recession is growing.

Businesses, civic leaders and local authorities and agencies have welcomed the Shop Local initiative launched last week.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage shoppers to use their spending power on their doorstep by supporting local businesses, shops and services.

The Free Press will be playing its part in the battle to beat the credit crunch with the start next week of a money-saving voucher scheme, with businesses district-wide offering a range of discounts for our readers.

Tony Howard, who has run Withypool's village shop for the past 11 years, told the Free Press that he was keen to 'get on board" and throw his weight behind the campaign.

He said it was important that village shops across the district got involved and raised their profile alongside outlets in the main towns and rural centres.

His shop, which provides a post office service four mornings a week, is also an off-licence, sells newspapers, gifts and groceries and incorporates a tearoom.

"It is vital that people continue to use their local shops - we need the support of customers and all the local authorities if we are to survive," he said.

"I've got a number of very loyal customers but it is difficult when new people move into the area to make them realise the importance of the facilities we offer.

"Our prices are often very competitive - in fact we have been selling bread and milk cheaper than Tesco's in Minehead."

Making every penny count is what West Somerset-based Graeme Kelly is doing on behalf of the Energy Carbon Trust.

Mr Kelly is helping to roll out a Government initiative giving businesses the chance to cut their gas and electricity costs.

His job is to find the best deal among the utility companies - and his services are free.

Despite launching the project locally just a couple of months ago, Mr Kelly has already helped one Minehead hotel halve its electricity unit price and cut its gas bill by more than £3,500 a year.

"I believe what I can offer can really help local businesses," he said. "So often, businesses just continue to pay bills without really considering whether they are getting the best deal on the market," he said.

"I have access to all the utility companies and only very rarely can I not save businesses money.

"It doesn't cost them a penny and the money saved can be diverted to other aspects of their businesses, such as surviving the recession."

Mr Kelly can be contacted on 01643 820300.

The Shop Local campaign has also won the backing of Minehead mayor Cllr Simon Stokes.

"I would encourage everyone to support local shops and businesses - they are the lifeblood of our communities," said Cllr Stokes.

"We have to all work together if we are to survive this downturn, but at the same time we should look upon it as a fantastic opportunity for businesses to showcase Minehead and the West Somerset area as a superb holiday destination.

"With fewer people likely to go abroad this summer, we have to take advantage of the extra people who will be holidaying in the UK because of the current Euro/Pound exchange rate."

Minehead Chamber of Trade chairman Graham Sizer, whose organisation has spearheaded the production of a dedicated shoppers guide for the town, said the Shop Local initiative was gaining wide support from his members.

"This has come just at the right time," he said. "Easter is the first of the year's cash injection to the high streets of the area.

"Knowing that we aren't on our own in fighting this recession, and have the backing of the media, is of great encouragement."

Mr Sizer said the chamber of trade had had a number of inter-community meetings recently to promote all local outlets, from the biggest retailers to rural post offices.

"This is a first and will link well with the Free Press campaign. West Somerset will weather the downturn and come out fighting."

And West Somerset Council's economic development portfolio holder Cllr Michael Downes said the campaign could only be good for the whole community.

"The Shop Local initiative will help keep money in the local economy and will also make jobs across the district more secure.

"It gets my full support and I encourage people to do their bit by shopping local."

Cllr Downes also welcomed the new Minehead shoppers' guide, describing it as a "fantastic idea" and a great way of showing residents and visitors what the town had to offer.

"As a council we are actively looking at ways to support local firms and promote the area to visitors to help sustain the economy through the challenges of the downturn."

To get in touch with the Free Press and support the Shop Local campaign, email us at shoplocal@ tindlenews.co.uk; or telephone the newsroom or advertising department on 01984 632731.