TOP traders are helping to give the Nags Head a boost with an Islington Council scheme to recognise good shop service.<br><br>So far nine businesses in the area - ranging from a florist and beauty parlours to the Odeon cinema and Waitrose - have signed up to the Islington Traders Scheme (ITS).<br> <br>After being vetted by a council officer for knowledge of customer rights and trading standards, shops are allowed to display the ITS's colourful red bag symbol.<br><br>Shoppers can then visit stores knowing that they will not face any sharp practice or sloppy customer service.<br><br>Cllr Terry Stacy, Deputy Leader of Islington Council, congratulated traders on taking part and urged more to come forward.<br><br>"Customers can look out for the red bag sticker and know they won't be greeted with comments like 'we don't offer any refunds'.<br><br>"This will encourage local shopping, cut down on transport pollution and helping Islington's traders," he said.<br><br>"These traders in Nags Head are doing their bit to help give the area a lift and bring more customers through the door."<br><br>The nine shops in Nags Head join nine others in the N1 Centre, Angel, where the scheme was launched in February last year.<br><br>And now, following the scheme's success, it is being rolled out across Islington - so shops and retailers from across the borough can join.<br><br>Lisa Hutchings, supervisor at gifts and homeware shop Bedfords, said: "When we were first approached, myself and my co-worker thought it was a really good idea, and that our shop was worthy of belonging.<br><br>"I think something like this will help the area's shops and help Nags Head promote itself to customers and the community.<br><br>Anyone interested in joining the Islington Traders Scheme, or who wants to find out more, should contact Katie Steele 020 7527 3185.<br><br>A list of businesses who are members of the scheme can be found at www.islington.gov.uk/shopping <http://www.islington.gov.uk/shopping><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009