SHOPPERS are being urged to spend cash locally to revive Westbury.

A 'Pop to the Shops' campaign was launched this week after an eight-month study into town centre shopping habits.

The push will coincide with the shopping rush in the lead up to Christmas, when hundreds of Westbury shoppers are expected to look out of town for presents.

Town centre development manager Anna Crosbie has devised leaflets to be sent to every home in Westbury encouraging people to reject other towns.

The campaign has been backed by the town council and chamber of commerce.

Ms Crosbie said: "Westbury serves everyday shopping needs extremely well. What we are reminding local people of is the variety of other goods on offer.

"Westbury, because of its size, will serve a different function from neighbouring larger towns, but you can find more in Westbury than people realise."

Already this year empty units in the High Street have been filled with a lady's clothing and shoe store, a branch of Wiltshire College and work has begun to build a new Heritage Centre and tourist information office.

Ms Crosbie said: "Whether you need some potatoes, a new light bulb or a new cake tin you can quickly pop into Westbury and get it.

"What we hope residents will do is consider popping into Westbury for things other than their everyday essentials and give their local shops a try."

The first leaflets, produced by the town council and chamber of commerce, are available this week.

John Evans, manager of John's Golf Shop, High Street, said: "We've got everything that we need here in town whether you are convenience shopping or looking for specialist items.

"What we need now is for people to know about it."

The leaflets will be made available to estate agents to be given to new residents.

The leaflet drop was one of the proposals highlighted in September's Town Centre Development Plan for Westbury.