Green-thinking shoppers are earning cash from goods and services at a range of borough stores under a new reward scheme from Smarter Travel Sutton.

The Walk Cycle Reward gives a 10 per cent discount off everything from pizzas to carpets to anyone who goes shopping by bike or on foot until July 25.

The joint Sutton Council and Transport for London scheme was launched recently in Rosehill, where 12 shops are taking part, and similar schemes will be launched in Worcester Park, Wallington and Carshalton in the coming weeks.

Tony Provenzano, chairman of the Rosehill Traders’ Association and owner of Hair Location is taking part in the scheme.

He said: “This is a great scheme and I believe it’s the first of its kind in London if not across the whole country.

“There was a real buzz up in Rosehill on Saturday.

“I think it’s a no-brainer for customers, as they will save money in the shops and save on petrol and parking, while doing their bit for the environment.

“I also hope it encourages more people to come along and use shops at a time when we need them more than ever.”

Reward cards have been delivered to thousands of homes and all residents have to do is present it at participating stores to get the discount. Once they receive three stamps, shoppers will also earn a free, re-usable shopping bag and be entered into a £100 prize draw.

Smarter Travel Sutton is an award-winning partnership between the council and Transport for London to cut car use and encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport in the borough.

Councillor Colin Hall, executive member for environment on Sutton Council, said: “We want more people to leave their cars at home and opt for greener ways of getting around the borough.

“Our research shows many people pop to the shops by car even when they are just a short distance away.

“Thanks to Smarter Travel Sutton we are seeing huge changes in the way people travel to work and school. More people are cycling and using public transport than ever.

“This reward is about giving people the extra push to change the way they get to the shops too.”

For more information go to smartertravelsutton.org.

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