Discount card could turnaround 'rubbish summer'

The new card will save users money on parking, shopping and even visits to public toilets

Traders in Torbay have welcomed the introduction of a new discount card designed to save people money on shopping, parking and even trips to the toilet.

The Torbay Resident Discount Scheme will be launched in September and will give cardholders an extra hour of free parking if they have already paid for at least one.

There will also be offers at local shops, attractions and 33 free visits to public toilets a year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Traders welcomed the move and said it could revive spending after an "absolutely rubbish" summer so far.

Trader Leon House said the season had been "absolutely rubbish" so far

Collaton St Mary councillor Martin Brook said: "It is a win for our residents, a win for businesses and a win for the council."

The council's cabinet was told cardholders could each save up to £75 a year once they had paid £10 up front for the card.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to promote local businesses," said Churston with Galmpton councillor Adam Billings.

His fellow ward councillor Alan Tyerman said the council would learn from the scheme as it went along and could fine-tune it.

"I believe a significant proportion of the population would benefit," he said.

"It can support town centres and local businesses, and bring in more people who would not have to rush back to their cars.

"The benefits could add up to some real momentum for retail businesses in Torbay."

"It's not been a very good season at all," said John Coote

Plans for the discount scheme were welcomed by traders in Torbay, who said anything to encourage more economic activity was a good idea.

Leon House, who runs Marina Gifts in Torquay, said it had been an "absolutely rubbish" summer so far.

"If it encourages the locals to come out and spend money, then yeah, I think it is a great idea," he said.

John Coote, of Vaughans Bar, said the initiative was a step in the right direction.

"With the weather and with the roadworks and just not having the footfall around, it's not been a very good season at all," he said.

Michelle Brown said the scheme could help showcase Torbay's beauty

Michelle Brown, from Torquay Watersports and Wetwheels, said the discount scheme could help showcase the beauty of Torbay to people living locally and slightly further afield.

"I think anything we can do to encourage anybody local out to enjoy what's on our doorstep can only be a good thing and we'd be well up for being a part of that," she said.

Resident Yvonne Miles said she would sign up for the scheme.

"I think it would be good for business to try and encourage more because it's really sad the streets these days, isn't it?" she said.

"So if it encourages trade then it is a good thing."