Businesses are being encouraged to find out how they can benefit from a new community discount card.

From September, people who have a Richmond parking card, library or leisure card, will be issued with a new pass that will provide all three services in one and still give them 30 minutes’ free parking.

The card will also be available to all other residents in the borough and visitors.

Richmond Council is developing the new card by giving businesses a chance to use it to give shoppers offers and discounts.

Businesses will benefit from marketing and promotional work from the council, including a web page, email promotion, social media promotion and advertising.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s cabinet member for communities, business and culture, said: “Thousands of people already have a Richmond parking card, a library card or a leisure card. In many cases people have all three.

“There is no doubt that the new card will benefit residents, but we also want to use the card to help local business, encourage customer loyalty and local shopping.

“We believe that being part of the project will result in increased trade for businesses and increased exposure through our ongoing promotional work.”

Interested businesses are encouraged to register their interest for further information.

Visit richmond.gov.uk/business_offers.