The Lewes Pound was introduced in September 2008 by former Mayor of Lewes Susan Murray in a bid to keep business in the town by encouraging people to spend locally.
Since its launch, the currency has symbolised the town’s commitment to “sustainability, community and local resilience”.
Read more: The Lewes Pound: is this local currency still in use?
What started as an initiative of Transition Town Lewes “quickly became a cherished part of the town’s identity, encouraging people to shop locally, visit Lewes and question the values of money”.
The Lewes Pound set up the Donate-a-Drink scheme which has raised and distributed £12,700 in envelopes of Lewes Pounds to local food banks over the past eight years.
Susan Murray, a director of The Lewes Pound said: “While this chapter is closing the values The Lewes Pound represents – supporting local businesses, sustainability and community collaboration will continue to thrive
in Lewes.”
The current and final issue remains valid and can still be used in the many shops and businesses in the town until August 31, 2025.
