A new scheme where residents swap skills and trade jobs has been set up in Shipley.

The Local Exchange and Trading System (LETS) has just got off the ground and is looking for new members.

Organisers say it encourages a sense of community and provides a money-free way of trading. Celia Hickson, one of the founders of Shipley LETS, said: "The idea of this sort of trading in communities came from Canada in the 1970s.

"Bradford has had a LETS scheme for a number of years but we felt that Shipley had a need for one of its own.

"It's more personal, everyone involved lives close to each other and you have a chance to meet people before you get them to do a job."

She added: "The way the system works is that every person logs their skills in a directory and then if I needed a plumber I'd get one from there.

"We trade in a currency called nuts so when the job is done I would write the plumber a LETS cheque which he could then cash in for a service of his choice.

"So far I've given people the use of my computer and in return I've had gardening done. It's a simple idea but it works well."

The scheme has already got around 30 members who are offering skills such as painting, building, gardening and babysitting. It has been funded by money from the Neighbourhood Challenge fund.

An 'eat and meet' night was held in Shipley on Monday for new members to find out more about the idea.

"We want as many people as possible to find out more about the LETS system, look at the directory and talk to other people about it," said Ceilia Hickson.

"Residents can tell us what skills they have to offer and what sort of services they would like to have. It really is a unique way of trading."

A new scheme where residents swap skills and trade jobs has been set up in Shipley.

The Local Exchange and Trading System (LETS) has just got off the ground and is looking for new members.

Organisers say it encourages a sense of community and provides a money-free way of trading. Celia Hickson, one of the founders of Shipley LETS, said: "The idea of this sort of trading in communities came from Canada in the 1970s.

"Bradford has had a LETS scheme for a number of years but we felt that Shipley had a need for one of its own.

"It's more personal, everyone involved lives close to each other and you have a chance to meet people before you get them to do a job."

She added: "The way the system works is that every person logs their skills in a directory and then if I needed a plumber I'd get one from there.

"We trade in a currency called nuts so when the job is done I would write the plumber a LETS cheque which he could then cash in for a service of his choice.

"So far I've given people the use of my computer and in return I've had gardening done. It's a simple idea but it works well."

The scheme has already got around 30 members who are offering skills such as painting, building, gardening and babysitting. It has been funded by money from the Neighbourhood Challenge fund.

An 'eat and meet' night was held in Shipley on Monday for new members to find out more about the idea.

"We want as many people as possible to find out more about the LETS system, look at the directory and talk to other people about it," said Ceilia Hickson.

"Residents can tell us what skills they have to offer and what sort of services they would like to have. It really is a unique way of trading."

To find out more about Shipley LETS contact Celia Hickson on Bradford 596785.

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