AN INITIATIVE to boost trade in a Flintshire town has had an "excellent response", councillors heard.

The ‘Totally Mold’ voucher scheme is a new project organised and managed by Mold Town Council in response to the unprecedented challenges that the coronavirus has created for the town.

A report to Mold Town Council, which met last week via Zoom, explained the scheme has had a good start, with businesses wishing to sign up and members of the community wanting to purchase vouchers.

The report states: "Work will continue on the promotion and individual approach taken to speak to businesses to explain the scheme."

Joanna Douglass, business and regeneration officer at Mold Town Council, told the meeting: "We have had an excellent response from the public and the businesses. "We are up to 35 businesses with a few more to come."

Cllr Chris Bithell asked Mrs Douglass how many shops in the town have so far reopened.

She said: "Having gone around the town, the vast majority have reopened - some on reduced hours and days.

"Some are also doing shielding visits, so they're shutting early and allowing shielding people to go in.

"Some of the larger chains haven't reopened yet, which I think is to do with the furlough scheme."

The vouchers will be able to be exchanged for goods or services at a number of local businesses, used to purchase weekly shopping, buy as a gift, enjoy a pamper or an evening out. They come in £5 or £10 denominations, with the idea being that people spend a minimum of £5 in the retailer/business.

For more information, contact Mold Town Council on business@moldtowncouncil.org.uk