The Lewes Pound, a local currency launched in 2008 as part of the UK’s local currency movement, has recently ceased circulation after 17 years. This news has sparked mixed reactions, with some expressing disappointment while others see it as a natural progression in a world where digital payments have become the norm. Despite its end, the Lewes Pound has left a lasting legacy of community pride and support for independent shops, making it a unique and successful experiment in promoting local economies.
The Lewes Pound was the brainchild of the Lewes Pound Community Interest Company (CIC), a group of local residents and business owners who wanted to promote the town’s independent businesses and reduce its carbon footprint. The idea was simple: people could exchange their pounds sterling for Lewes Pounds at a 1:1 ratio, and use them to make purchases at over 130 participating businesses in the town. The Lewes Pound was not meant to replace the pound sterling, but rather to complement it by encouraging people to shop locally and support small businesses.
The Lewes Pound quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of the town’s strong community spirit. It was not just a currency, but a statement of support for local businesses and a commitment to sustainability. The notes themselves were beautifully designed, featuring local landmarks and historical figures, making them not only a means of exchange but also a collector’s item. The success of the Lewes Pound inspired other towns in the UK to launch their own local currencies, such as the Bristol Pound and the Brixton Pound.
However, as digital payments became more prevalent, the use of physical currency declined, and the Lewes Pound was no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated this shift, as people turned to contactless payments to avoid handling cash. This ultimately led to the decision to end circulation of the Lewes Pound. While some may see this as a failure, the Lewes Pound CIC sees it as a natural progression and a sign of the success of the local currency.
The end of the Lewes Pound does not mean the end of its impact. The legacy of the currency lives on in the strong sense of community it fostered and the support it provided for local businesses. The Lewes Pound CIC has also left behind a fund to support community projects and initiatives, ensuring that the spirit of the Lewes Pound continues to benefit the town.
The success of the Lewes Pound highlights the potential of local currencies to promote sustainable and resilient economies. By encouraging people to shop locally, the currency helped to reduce the carbon footprint of the town and support small businesses. It also created a sense of pride and identity within the community, as people saw the tangible impact of their spending on the local economy.
The end of the Lewes Pound may be bittersweet, but it should be celebrated as a successful experiment in promoting local economies. It has shown that small communities have the power to make a big impact by coming together and supporting each other. The legacy of the Lewes Pound will continue to inspire other towns and communities to take similar initiatives and build stronger, more sustainable local economies.
In conclusion, the Lewes Pound may no longer be in circulation, but its impact will be felt for years to come. It has left a legacy of community pride, support for independent businesses, and a commitment to sustainability. The end of the Lewes Pound is not the end of its story, but rather a new chapter in the ongoing movement towards building stronger and more resilient local economies.
