YOUR Worcester News Buy Local campaign has been praised for attracting thousands of shoppers to the city.

Officers believe that a couple of thousand extra visitors to the city centre can be specifically linked to our campaign.

The Worcester News Buy Local campaign was set up to encourage people to buy independent produce and go to local shops.

The campaign quickly captured the attention of many shopkeepers affected by the recession, with posters featuring the Buy Local logo appearing in shop windows around the city. We also gave away 5,000 eco shopping bags to readers.

The campaign highlighted both the environmental and economic benefits of shopping locally.

The success of the campaign was discussed at a meeting to show how Worcestershire County Council had helped to address the impact of the recession on local people.

Glyn West, the council’s head of economic development and sustainability, cited Buy Local – which ended with a special Independents’ Day on July 4 – as a positive way local businesses were supported by the council.

Buy Local received funding from the county council and the Worcester, Wychavon and Malvern Hills authorities and Mr West described it as a good example of partnership working.

He said: “That initiative brought thousands of people into the city. The initiative with the Worcester News has shown how we can work in partnership.

“We would welcome media support wherever possible.”

Council cabinet member for planning, economy and performance, Simon Geraghty, said: “It’s really a south Worcestershire initiative. The Worcester News really picked up the idea that we could hit a number of targets so it was not just about helping the environment but also the economy.

“There were lots of initiatives around that but it was useful in reminding people they could make a difference.” Mr West and Mr Geraghty were reporting to a meeting, held yesterday, of the environment and economy panel.