Could Berkhamsted get its own currency?
By LaraKing | Monday, March 22, 2010, 19:16
It seems like the obvious way to pump some cash into the local economy: when money gets tight, why not just print your own?
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Could Berkhamsted get its own currency?
There is no law against printing currency in the UK, as long as you don't attempt to pass it off as sterling, and it can be made out of anything, from paper to pigs' ears.
In Brixton, South London and Stroud, Gloucestershire, local currencies are already in force - and advocates say that the personalised pound helps keep money within the regional economy and strengthen community trade.
Critics, however, dismiss the idea as a gimmick and accuse those behind it of promoting protectionism.
Do you think a local currency would work in Berkhamsted? Would you use it?
Comments
Just remembered.
It was Mrs Walker. Her husband was the brother of Peter Walker, Conservative MP a while ago.
By N Cutting at 15:34 on 23/03/10
ReportIt was using paper 'credits' to encourage residents to shop in the town. The idea was similar to a scheme down south where they have paper money worth £x.
The big problem with Berkhamsted is that it's a commuter town, so it was on a hiding to nothing before it started. It lasted about a year, if I remember correctly.
I expect I've got all in the info around. It was started by the wife of the brother of an MP who lived in Coombe Gardens and moved to Manor Street after her husband died. She died about 5 years ago.
Sorry, can't cannot remember the name off hand.
By N Cutting at 15:20 on 23/03/10
ReportWas it tried in Berkhamsted, Norm? How did it go? I've lived here for 24 years and I certainly don't remember it!
By AmandaCarter at 11:11 on 23/03/10
ReportA similar scheme was tried about 15 years ago.
You really must keep up.
By N Cutting at 22:32 on 22/03/10
ReportThis is a very nice story that was on the BBC website today, and I also tweeted it on Boho Boxmoor earlier. I think it may originally have been a Transition Town initiative?
By BohoBoxmoor at 21:42 on 22/03/10
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