Exmouth bartering on the up

EXMOUTH LETS, the town’s innovative cashless barter system,is going from strength to strength.

More than 30 members have now signed up and trading has begun, with goods including homemade bread, jams and pickles, plus services such as gardening, ironing, decorating and bicycle hire.

And there’ll be more on offer at Exmouth LETS’ first trading event on Monday 25 October, along with a demonstration of the Local Exchange Trading System’s custom-built website.

Launched two months ago following grants from the Town Council and the Co-Op, the new system is going well to plan.

“It’s absolutely brilliant!” says Paul Strange.

“We’ve had pounds of windfall apples from other members – which we’ve turned into jam, jelly and chutney. In fact we had so many apples that we hired a cider press off the system to make apple juice and cider.

“In addition we’re getting a wonderful loaf of homemade bread every week and we’ve had rejuvenating massages.

“And the best thing is that – apart from material costs and an annual administration fee of �5 – we haven’t had to pay a penny for any of this! It really is a fantastic system, and it’s getting better and better as more people sign up.”