The Pudsey Lottery has been set up to help the market town’s businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – while encouraging people to shop local.

Pudsey Business Network Forum, which was revamped last year to support businesses in the town, is pioneering the Pudsey Lottery, which will pay out in Pudsey Pounds to be spent in local shops, market and businesses.

There are currently 22 local businesses selling the Pudsey Lottery tickets right across the Ward.

These cost just £1 each and the draw takes place on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the monthly Pudsey Business Network Forum meeting.

The PBNF have set up a sub-committee specifically for the day-to-day running of the lottery which is chaired by Nigel Monaghan from Ison Harrison Solicitors on Lidget Hill.

The lottery idea originally came from forum chair Cllr Trish Smith (Cons, Pudsey).

She said: “Our businesses all need support from every one of us to make sure they survive after being closed for so long due to COVID-19. This is an exciting initiative for Pudsey, and it’s good to see the town leading the way to support our high street and businesses.

“We only launched on 9th July and so far over 40 businesses have signed up to be involved in the scheme and 957 tickets were sold for the first draw.

“We hope that this will give a much-needed shot in the arm for our local economy and may even give us a point of difference to other businesses looking for a retail space.”

The currency has been specifically designed with views of the Pudsey Borough – including a classic view of 1960’s Church Lane, an early tram negotiating the corner from Lidget Hill, a 1920s view of the (then) brand new children’s play area in Pudsey Park, and an Edwardian day out to Pudsey Beck in Black Carr Woods.

The currency comes in denominations of £1, £5, £10 and £20 and can be spent in any of the participating businesses in the town.

The first draw took place last week, with an incredible early response.

Cllr Smith added: “A huge thanks to everyone who has supported in any way, special thanks to Ison Harrison for hosting the event, to Balloon Bear for such an amazing display, and to Black Mouse for the champagne.

“Thank you also to all the sub-committee members, Tom Spikings at PDS Windows for filming, Kudu Printers, Topstitch, Dan Pearce Estate Agents, Linley & Simpson and Lisa Farrar for attending.

“Congratulations to all our winners we hope you enjoy spending your Pudsey Pounds.”

Full further details can be found on the Pudsey Lottery Facebook page.

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