Businesses across Menston are to launch a ‘buy local’ campaign in a bid to encourage the support of village residents.

Representatives of businesses ranging from tradesmen to shops, pubs and professional services agreed proposals when they met to debate a new scheme on Friday.

They plan to produce a flyer promoting local businesses, for distribution to homes in the village, and arrange a list of all Menston businesses – thought to number about 70 – in the May edition of Menston Community Association’s newsletter.

And they hope to come up with a name for the group at their next meeting on April 30.

Last week’s meeting was arranged by businesswoman Christine Minchella who made her Pilates premises, The Studio, on Cleasby Road, available for the meeting.

Refreshments were provided free of charge by the village delicatessen and outside caterers Solo.

The meeting attracted plumbers and electricians, professional services like a solicitor and an estate agent, a graphic designer and a printer, and representatives of village pubs and shops, including beauty salons.

Bradford district councillor Dale Smith (Con, Wharfedale) and Menston parish councillor Sue Rix attended the meeting, as well as the chairman and acting secretary of Menston Community Association, Stephen Ellams and Alan Elsegood. They all pledged their support for the initiative.

Councillor Rix announced another initiative by the MCA, a Menston Village Information Centre notice board which would include a village map featuring information and locations of village businesses and well as charities and voluntary groups and village walks.

More information about the local business meeting can be found on the website– menstonvillagewharfedale.co.uk – which will regularly feature developments in the buy local campaign and currently includes a list of all Menston businesses.