Chance to win a prize in Crawley's '˜Buy Local' campaign

Entrants must follow @Crawleybc and tweet about why they think people should buy localand include #BuyLocalCrawley. Alternatively, entrants can ‘like’ the competition post found at the top of Crawley Council’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/crawleycouncil - and write a short post on the same buy local topic.

The competition could reward entrants with a meal for two, beauty treatment or a range of local goodies, among other things. It will run for until Tuesday December 21 and winners will be selected at random on Wednesday 23 December. Winners will be notified the same day and must look out for a PM (personal message) from Crawley Council.

The council launched its Buy Local campaign to promote local businesses.

Said a spokesman: “The benefits of a local supply chain such as being able to talk to suppliers and customers face to face is frequently overlooked and the value of a more personal service can be forgotten. Buying and sourcing locally is very often a more environmentally friendly option, cutting back on fuel emissions associated with travel and deliveries.”

The council currently supports ‘Buy Local’ through its own procurement code, the Crawley Developer and Partner Charter, supporting workshops such as Digital High Street Skills, supporting Gatwick Diamond Meet the Buyers, engaging in Better Business for All and mini Meet the Buyer events.

Cllr Peter Smith, cabinet member for planning and economic development said: “Buying locally supports the town’s economy meaning residents have a bigger and better choice of jobs, services, retail and leisure. A successful town is a more vibrant and fun place to live and work and in the long run that has knock-on effects to other facilities and services too.”