Internet buyers snap up currency

The Lewes Pound shows the South Downs and will be reviewed next year

Dozens of pound notes issued in an East Sussex town to encourage shoppers to support the local economy have been sold on an internet auction site.

The Lewes Pound, which was launched last week, has been selling as souvenirs for up to £24.99.

According to the record of sales shown on the site, one UK-based buyer spent up to £173 on 10 individual £1 notes on Monday alone.

Sellers have described the notes as "A little bit of English history".

One added: "Nobody is using them in the shops. First issue ones like this will be unobtainable very soon."

The Lewes Pound works like a voucher, with one Lewes pound note worth the same as a pound sterling. Up to 10,000 notes have been printed.

Lewes Pound constipation

The currency is accepted in more than 70 participating stores and can be bought in four outlets in the town.

However, traders have reported that people are not using the new currency as much as expected.

Susan May, of May's General Store, said: "Some people are putting them online, I believe, and I think people are saving them for Christmas presents and just generally holding tight.

"It's a bit like Lewes Pound constipation."

Organisers of the scheme, Transition Town Lewes (TTL), are hailing it as a success, however, and are planning to print thousands of extra notes.

"Since the launch we have had 20 traders wanting to come on board, ranging from the football club to a pub to a decorator and a photographer," said co-founder Adrienne Campbell.

"It has been wonderful, with lots of people taking it up."

The town had its own currency between 1789 and 1895.

The Lewes Pound was drawn up by TTL and is made up of local residents whose aim is to campaign for a more self-sufficient community.