Shops and businesses in Wantage and Grove are being urged to sign up for a new loyalty card scheme before next month’s deadline.

The town’s Chamber of Commerce, Vale of White Horse District Council and Wantage Town Council are promoting the project after a similar scheme by Choose Abingdon Partnership launched successfully more than a year ago.

Didcot’s Chamber of Commerce is also planning to launch a loyalty card and is hoping South Oxfordshire District Council will provide £10,000 towards start-up costs.

A similar initiative in Thame is now supported by 35 independent traders.

The deal for shoppers was first suggested for Wantage and Grove in July and more than 20 traders have already signed up.

Card holders will be rewarded with discounts and offers the more they shop at participating stores, with each store deciding how much of a discount they are prepared to give.

Vice-chairman of Wantage Chamber of Commerce Linda Hatter, who runs Top Hatters Gifts Boutique, said: “This scheme will encourage people living in the area to stay and shop in Wantage and Grove.

“It’s a great opportunity for independent traders to reward loyal customers and encourage people who don’t normally shop in the town to do so.”

Ms Hatter said several thousand pounds was being provided by the Chamber of Commerce, and Wantage Joint Economic Forum, to cover start-up costs.

All businesses who want to join are being urged to sign up before the deadline of October 17 so they can be included in a free brochure that will be distributed to every household in Wantage and Grove.