NORTH Somerset businesses have been urging shoppers to spend more money with independent traders during a campaign this week.

Small Change for Big Change began on Monday and has seen traders asking customers to sign a pledge, confirming they will spend some of their weekly budget with local independent shops, traders, farmers’ markets and farm shops.

Aimed at halting the decline of the district’s High Streets, Small Change for Big Change is being run by the Federation of Small Businesses until Sunday with traders in Nailsea, Clevedon, Portishead and surrounding villages taking part.

Becky Crees, business relationship manager at Lloyds TSB in Clevedon, is supporting the campaign by displaying posters and ensuring items such as milk, tea and coffee are bought from local traders.

She said: “I am a local bank manager so look after a lot of local businesses.

“If there is anything I can do to help them then this is my way.”

Mark Loader of Loaders hardware store in Yatton’s High Street said: “Many local shops are a lot cheaper than the larger companies. The message should be ‘go into your local shops and save money’.”

As part of the campaign, Posh Spice in Nailsea’s High Street will also be serving a special curry made from locally-produced food this week.

Anyone who signs a campaign pledge will be entered into a draw to win �200 worth of locally-produced food.