PENDLE Council is being asked to give financial backing to the Barlick Gold shopper loyalty scheme.

The innovative scheme was a great success in helping to attract shoppers to the town following its launch in 1998 but councillors will be told enthusiasm has recently diminished with a number of businesses pulling out of the project.

Members of the West Craven committee will be told that as the scheme relies entirely on the monthly contribution of £10 from each participating business the loss of members means the scheme is no longer economically viable and is unable to continue in its present form.

The Chamber of Trade are keen not to lose the scheme. They say it has been a great success and is the only initiative to draw together many of the town's businesses.

The scheme may now be adapted and relaunched by the introduction of scratch cards as an alternative to the existing shopper loyalty collector cards.

A report to the meeting on January 8 says that would give shoppers an "instant win" allowing the scheme to be developed more widely.

There is a shortfall of £1,400 in the £11,168 project costs and the council is being asked to contribute towards the relaunch of the scheme.