A NEW campaign to support Middlewich businesses is being launched.

Make it Middlewich will champion the town's independent shops and encourage residents to spend their money locally.

Middlewich Town Council gave the campaign the go-ahead at Monday night's meeting to give independent firms a boost in the coronavirus crisis.

"Our town centre has been decimated over the past few years," said Cllr Jonathan Parry.

"One thing it does need is people using it.

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"This is a great opportunity for people to the use the town centre now."

Key to the campaign is launching a directory for the town's businesses, including details of their opening times as lockdown continues to be eased.

A new website could be launched, while the council will also consider incentive schemes or a loyalty card to encourage residents to shop in the town centre.

Other longer-term aims will also be considered, although the council says it cannot currently afford to hire a town centre manager.