A PARKING app backed by Dragons’ Den that aims to drive footfall and spending in high streets will launch in Kendal this week.

Loyalty app ParkingPerx- initially launched in Sunderland last year- rewards customers with free parking when they spend locally in a bid to reunite shoppers with their favourite retailers, cafes and independent merchants to breathe life back into high streets.

The app will launch in partnership with Kendal Business Improvement District on Friday - and is supported by South Lakeland District Council.

A host of merchants are already signed up including Pedro’s Casa, Begin with Nature, No19 the Wine Bar, Garden Partea Cafe, Nigel Byrom Furniture, Edward James Furniture, Cable & Blake, Stanley’s Coffehouse, The Blind Bus Driver, Brew Brothers Cafe, Ye Olde Fleece, Rainbow Accessories, AC Gallery, Joshua Tree Bistro, Herdy, Comida, Marketplace Books, Wild Abandon, Hers & Sirs, The Moon, The Shakespeare Inn and H Hogarth.

Karl Tchumak, owner of Pedro’s Casa, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to come on board as one of the first businesses to back the launch of the new ParkingPerx app in Kendal.

“Like many, recovery post-Covid is ongoing and we are keen to support collaborative activity which increases footfall into Kendal.

“The app is a great way to not only support Kendal businesses, but to also reward visitors whose support we really appreciate.”

Car parks covered by the scheme are Blackhall Road, Booths, Dowker Lane, Highgate Bowman, Library Road, Parish Church, Peppercorn, Sandes Avenue, Snowsports Club and South Lakes House.

Businesses registered with the app control how and when it is used to reward customers to suit their particular trade or customer base.

Simon Thomas, project manager at Kendal BID, said: “We were keen to introduce ParkingPerx to Kendal to help local businesses recover from the damage done by lockdowns and Covid. Now it is more important than ever to bring shoppers back in to town to shop, eat and drink and use local services.

“The innovative ParkingPerx app directly rewards the people who are making a difference to our community, whether they are locals or visitors. Everyone is welcome.”

Shoppers can download the app on the App Store or on Google Play.