HELENSBURGH business chiefs have voiced their disappointment at a local gift card scheme they feel has largely bypassed independent retailers in town.

The Argyll and Bute version of the Scotland Loves Local card was launched in the area in 2021.

But before Christmas, national retailers such as Morrisons were added to the scheme, allowing consumers to spend money put on the cards with firms with local outlets but based elsewhere.

Thousands of cards had £120 put on them late last year to encourage shopping local as well as offer a leg-up during a cost-of-living crisis.

Last week's full Argyll and Bute Council meeting discussed the cards - and local businesses reported that the row over the cards had actually prompted some people to use the cards over the bank holiday weekend.

Burgh councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) said the scheme has sparked "resentment" in the town because it has come to be seen as more of a "benefit card" - and because it can be spent at local branches of national chains, such as the Co-op, not just with locally-owned independent businesses.

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But the Argyll and Bute councillor in charge of economic growth in the area branded Cllr Howard's comments "insulting".

Nearly 300 businesses across Argyll and Bute accepted the card.

Wendy Hamilton, who runs Grasshopper Toys in West Princes Street and is the local representative for the Federation of Small Business, said they had been invited to be "business ambsssadors" for the scheme - and had spent "some considerable time" being available for filming and publicising the cards on social media.

She said: "The scheme was portrayed by the organisers as an opportunity for the community to support local businesses in their key trading time over Christmas.

"After two brutal years of lockdowns, local businesses were grateful for the prospect of a life-line.

"Then suddenly, at the point the scheme was launched announcements were made that national and even global chains were accepting the card.

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"The Helensburgh Loves Local card can now be used in Morrisons.

"When challenged, the organisers of the scheme advised me Morrisons is classed as a local business.

"Morrisons, who were not forced to closed during lockdowns, is in fact owned by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, a private equity firm based in New York.

"Whilst we are delighted that local families who needed a helping hand over Christmas received the prepaid cards, we agree with Councillor Howard’s comments that the Love Local scheme is now not what it was billed as - which was a scheme to help residents with the cost of Christmas, and simultaneously help rejuvenate local businesses by encouraging residents to shop locally.

"It's a missed opportunity for our local businesses and in turn those residents who want a vibrant healthy town centre."

Vivien Dance, from Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce, said local businesses and residents need all the help they can get with the cost-of-living crisis.

She said the gift card was "useful" to bring in cash to local traders as well as consumers who could choose who to spend it.

But she said: "It was disappointing and somewhat surprising to see the Local Gift Card scheme generating a negative press headline.

"But it apparently helped to spur people to using their gift cards and a number of businesses reported an increase in their use over the holiday weekend.

"So thank you councillors for discussing the card last month and for giving it a profile which has certainly given a boost to spend in the Helensburgh area since your comments were reported."

Councillor Redman told the council meeting: “If your income is limited, you are probably going to get as much food as you can for your money. It is people’s money, and it is for them to spend where they decide.”

Councillor Howard then said: “Originally the Love Local card was a great card which was a great benefit to local businesses. Now it is looked at as a benefit card, because it was used to hand out money during and after Covid.

“Has any survey been done on where this money is being spent? And have businesses been consulted on how they see it operating?

“This is where the real resentment is, because it is now looked at as a benefit card and not such an attractive gift.”

Councillor Redman said: “The notion that because something is used to support struggling families and individuals, it devalues and tarnishes that card, I see as, perhaps inadvertently, insulting.

"These cards are not devalued in any way and I think it has enhanced them.”