AMMANFORD business owners have joined forces in a bid to get shoppers back into the town.

Check-in for Charity is a scheme set up by an Ammanford butcher which will see shoppers using their smart phones to “check-in”

via Facebook to promote the local shops – and as an extra incentive, each store will donate 10p to their chosen charity for each check-in.

The brains behind the scheme, Kevin Lewis, and his sons Emyr and Elgan, from Y Cigydd, on Wind Street, have managed to persuade most of the independent shops in Ammanford to back the scheme in the hope it will entice more shoppers into the town.

Emyr Lewis told the Guardian he came up with the idea as a way to reach out to people through social media, and in return get more people interested in the town’s stores.

“The shops in Ammanford are struggling and we constantly have to compete with the larger chain stores,” said Emyr.

“Through social media we are hoping to reach out to more people.

“If one person uses the check-in when they come into our shop, their Facebook friends will see it, and as a result more people will know about us.”

Chris, from Ammanford cobblers Chris-y-Crydd, said he jumped on board when Kevin told him about the scheme.

“It is a great idea, if we can reach out to a few more people, hopefully we can get more shoppers back onto the High Street,” he said.

Jamie Jones, of Quay Street store Vapourlicious, said he was more than happy to join in.

“As a business owner I am constantly in a battle with the different barriers put before me.“I am hopeful that this scheme will work.”

Andy Messer, of Kook Beads, added: “It’s simple, use it or lose it.”

Not to be left out, the surrounding village outlets are also getting involved.

The Red Lion and Valans in Llandybie and Mount Pleasant in Gwaun cae Gurwen have also agreed to join in with the scheme.

“Our aim is to get people shopping local,” said Elgan.

“The cost of buying local may be a little more, but when you add the cost of parking and fuel, you are saving in the long run.”

If you are a business owner who wants to join in the scheme call into Y Cigydd on Wind Street for a poster.