SETTLE is set to become the UK’s first ‘Rainbow Town’ once the coronavirus lockdown is lifted and businesses are permitted to open.

The town initiative, due to go live when government restrictions allow, will see businesses offering special discounts and offers to frontline NHS staff and care workers, as a way of saying thank-you’.

So far, 25 shops, pubs and holiday businesses in the area have signed up, with more coming on board every day, say those behind the idea.

Offers will be available from those traders displaying the Settle Rainbow Town logo on their website or from the premises themselves.

Frontline NHS staff and care workers will be able to enjoy benefits, such as free entry to The Folly Museum, money off at Cottontail Crafts and a 10 per cent reduction on a stay at the former stately home, now holiday accommodation, Woodlands House, Giggleswick.

Other businesses involved include the Craven Arms pub, Limestone Books, homeware shop, Homemaker of Settle, and traditional barbershop, Barber on the Yard.

The initiative is the brainchild of David Sexton, owner of Woodlands House, and is being co-ordinated through Vibrant Settle, a community partnership which also runs the promotional website: www.visitsettle.co.uk, and which has been planning how best the town can survive the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Sexton said: “Businesses throughout the country are offering special deals and discounts for NHS and other key workers and we thought it would be great if Settle not only joined in, but took the idea further and co-ordinated our efforts.

“Individual shops, accommodation providers and others have come together to give frontline health and care workers a meaningful thank-you. Settle is set to become the UK’s first ‘Rainbow Town’.”

Steve Amphlett, of Visit Settle, said: “This is a great way to show appreciation for these critical workers. We look forward to saying our thank-yous in this way when lockdown is lifted and businesses are permitted to reopen. “

He stressed that the initiative would start once Government restrictions allowed and for now, most businesses remained closed.

“For now, most of our shops, cafes and services are closed and we ask that anyone visiting the area during the Covid crisis to please avoid gathering in our town and villages and respect our residents by following the government rules on travel and social distancing.”

For a full list of participating businesses and offer details go to https://www.visitsettle.co.uk/settle-rainbow-town.html