Restaurants in the Oswestry area have praised a new scheme set to be implemented by the government next month which aims to help the hospitality industry.

The ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme is set to be introduced in August to support businesses in the industry and encourage more people to support them after several months without income.

Meals eaten at any participating business from Monday to Wednesday during August will be 50 per cent cheaper, up to a maximum discount of £10 per head for everyone.

Businesses can then claim the money back within five working days.

Linda Clark, manager at Fat Rabbit in Bailey Street, believes the idea could prove to be helpful for independent restaurants.

She said: “We haven’t quite decided if we’re going to sign up for it yet because there are lots of new things being spoken about all the time.

“You have to take time to sit down and see how they work.

“At the moment I’m not opening on Mondays or Tuesdays because there isn’t the footfall, but I might after they introduce this scheme.

“I know other places are taking it up nearby so we’ll definitely consider it – it’s a great scheme and especially because it’s aimed at the lower end of the market and towards small businesses.”

One business which has confirmed it will be participating is House of Wingz, based at coffee shop Liar Liar in Albion Hill.

Shawn Melusi, of House of Wings, said: “We’re going to take part in it, I think it’s a good scheme.

“It’s something that’s needed to bring people back to the high street after this.”

Mr Melusi added: “I think if you look at the shops around places like here, supporting the independents is massive.

“It’s been good here for us, especially being in a popular shop like Liar Liar, and I think the scheme will be decent and good for the community for sure.”

Manager of The Keys in St Martins, John Smout, believes the scheme will encourage people to dine out in the week, providing a boost for businesses.

“I think it sounds a very good idea, and it’s on good days in my opinion,” he said.

“It’s trying to get older people back out again – a lot of our day trade tends to be people aged 60 or older, with many younger people being in work.

“To be honest, the Government is doing all they can to help us.”