Over 1m apply for voucher in first 48 hours

MORE than one million people applied for Northern Ireland’s ‘Spend Local’ High Street voucher in the first 48 hours, the Economy Minister has revealed.

The huge demand for the pre-paid card, only launched on Monday, led to some initial delays for people in Tyrone and across the North to gain access to the online application portal.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons admitted demand for the card had been extremely high.

The DUP MLA said, “This is a formidable response and a great confidence boost for our local businesses that are at the heart of this scheme.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council chair, Errol Thompson, is encouraging residents to apply to the scheme and to ‘spend local to support local’.

“Businesses across the district have faced significant challenges over the past 18 months.

“This scheme provides residents with the opportunity to support businesses within the district and provide a welcome boost to our local economy.”

He added, “I urge residents aged 18 and over to apply for their £100 voucher card before the closing date of October 25 to spend local, support local.”

By Thomas Maher