Independent retailers in Ilkley are fighting for their futures with a new scheme designed to help save the town centre.

Today the Ilkley Gazette is backing the Local Ilkley Shopping Trail and Long Live Local website which are being set up by traders in the town.

Some retailers in Ilkley believe they could be out of business within a couple of years in the wake of the economic crisis, competition from national chains and internet shopping – leaving the likes of Brook Street and The Grove shadows of themselves.

But, led by two retailers with the backing of the Ilkley Business Forum, traders are setting up the new initiatives aimed at giving their businesses a shot in the arm and reminding shoppers of what is available right on their doorstep.

Tim Tennant, of The Art Shop, and Jonathan Batchelor, of Ramus Seafood, are behind the Local Ilkley Shopping Trail scheme, which aims to highlight the best local independent retailers have to offer and will be introduced with a local shopping day in the run-up to Christmas with events taking place in shops across Ilkley.

They will also launch a website, Long Live Local, to give people the chance to access specially selected offers from local retailers.

Read more in the Ilkley Gazette.