MELKSHAM Town Council is running its first ever Support Local campaign.

It is joining forces with ShopAppy to encourage people to love local Melksham businesses by participating in a year-long campaign, declaring 2020 to be the year to Support Local.

The Melksham Support Local campaign, part of a national initiative, launches today, on Valentine’s Day .

David McKnight, economic development manager at the council, said: “It is really well documented the problems we’re having on the high street so we wanted to highlight the variety and quality of using town shops.

“There are lots of new houses being built in the surrounding area so this is a big opportunity for the town so residents can engage in the town they have decided to live in.

“We will pick key events throughout the year so we have picked to launch on Valentine’s Day for that reason. So businesses that are doing offers so a butchers who’re doing a pie, florists and gift shops with offers."

With the support of local dignitaries and the town crier, the town council team will offer Support Local photo opportunities to town businesses to create posts for this social media-driven campaign.

Posts will be tagged #Melksham, #SupportLocal, #ShopAppy2020, with the business name, and will be widely distributed.

Dr Jackie Mulligan, founder of ShopAppy, who is leading the national 2020 Year to Support Local campaign, added: “It has been a challenging last decade for our town centres and high streets, but we know there is tremendous love for local businesses in our communities.

Residents can play their part by retweeting and sharing posts and by shopping in the town.