Many Congleton independent shops and businesses have been getting behind the Totally Locally National Fiver Fest Fortnight campaign, which runs until Saturday.

According to Totally Locally, if every adult in Congleton spent £5 per week in their local shops and businesses, instead of online, at a national chain or at the big supermarket, it would be worth £5.2 million per year to our local Congleton economy. Leading to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economy and a nicer place to live.

This is the first time that Congleton has participated in the totally locally scheme.

Congleton Town Mayor, Cllr Sally Ann Holland said: "This is the first time that Congleton has taken part in the Totally Locally scheme and I am delighted that more than 30 shops have already said that they want to take part.

"The independent shops and businesses make our town special and unique and I hope this campaign encourages more local people to support their local shops. Please support the FIVER FEST FORTNIGHT if possible"

The independent businesses participating in the Congleton Fiver Fest so far include: Ballooning Marvellous, Bare Health, Bear Grills, Bojangles, Browns Jewellers, Browns Furniture, Carl Christopher, Congleton Kitchen, Congleton Oatcakes, Crema, Damand, Davenports, David James Menswear, Delia Metcalfe Fashion & Footwear, DV8, E-Cigolution, Empire Menswear, Gather of Cheshire, Grace Brown Interiors, Hollins & Hollinshead Jewellers, House to Home, Isobel's Fashion House, Jason Tunnicliffe Barbers, Norris Health, RJ & J Moore Greengrocers, Shakeeze, Smiths Bait and Tackle, Stonehammer Music, Sweet Pea, The Little Shop, Wendy's Pet Salon, Wild & Wild, Willow Vintage & Gifts, WOW Portraits.

Fiver Fest has been running successfully in towns in the UK and abroad over the past seven years, and last October 63 towns from all over the UK to promote themselves and each other on the same week.

The result was phenomenal with reports of new customers, people rediscovering shops they hadn't been into for years and huge sales of £5 offers. This year more than 100 High Streets are taking part.

Chris Sands of Totally Locally said: "We know Fiver Fest isn't going to change the world, but small changes in spending habits can really make a difference to our high streets.

"Just by diverting £5 of our weekly spend to local independents we give them a fighting chance to thrive. It's a conversation worth having!"

For further information see www.totallylocally.org or email: [email protected] or tel: 01260 270350 ext 3.