500 pubs sign up for parcel delivery scheme

More than 500 pubs have now signed up to a scheme that boosts trade by using pubs as collection points for people's parcels.

Householders and licensees who sign up to the scheme on www.useyourlocal.com​ arrange for their packages to be delivered to their local when they aren't home to collect them.

The scheme is the brainchild of former Scottish & Newcastle employee Stuart Mills.  He said: "I adore the British pub and its importance as part of the fabric of our country. With the number of pub closures in Britain reaching 52 a week, useyourlocal.com helps pubs to take back their place in the community.

"We were always confident it was a great idea, but the response from people has been brilliant. More than 500 pubs across Britain have already signed up, with more registering every day.

"It's also about more than the parcels though. When pubs sign up they get their own website and the ability to e-mail their regulars.

"It's all about getting people through the door and helping pubs to regain their place at the heart of local communities.

"By signing up to the site, people can show their support for their local and help it to survive these difficult times."

The service costs £50 per year for pubs to use, for which they get their own website, promotions kit, the ability to e-mail their customers directly from the site and the option to have parcels delivered to the pub.