Greenwich Launches The UK’s First All In One Leisure, Library and Shopping Card

by our RBG Correspondent | Woolwich

Greenwich residents are set to be the first in the country to benefit from an all in one leisure, library and discounted shopping card after the Council launched the innovative Greenwich One Card today.

It is set to be unveiled at the start of the Christmas celebrations on Eltham High Street, which will see the Christmas lights switched on and thousands of shoppers out in force to support their local shops.

The card, which is free to everyone who lives, works or studies in the borough enables you to loan books and DVDs, download free music and audio books, use computer facilities at any of our libraries, get reduced membership fees at our leisure centres and take advantage of a range of exclusive discounted offers at local shops.

It also forms a key part of the Council’s plan to help families on low income and tackle poverty by reducing the cost of their weekly shop, helping them to improve their health by accessing discounts of up to 50% at local leisure facilities and removing the digital divide by ensuring people have free internet access in their local area. And by offering discounts to local shops, restaurants and other businesses the One Card encourages residents to shop locally – providing a boost to the local economy.

The cards last a lifetime and can be picked up from any council library or leisure centre - simply bring along proof of your address, or where you work and study and a member of staff will ensure that your application is processed on the spot.

Councillor Denise Hyland (top right), Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “The Greenwich One Card is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. By combining leisure and library services with discounts at local shops, we are helping residents to get the most from their local library and to take advantage of the sports and activities in our leisure centre – whilst also giving a boost to our local economy.

“In the expensive pre-Christmas period, I am delighted that so many local businesses have already come on board. It’s a great initiative to help local householders to stretch their money further – something that’s a central part of our commitment to tackling poverty in the borough.”

Councillor Miranda Williams (in blue, right), the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Creative Industries, said: “The Council is committed to providing state of the art leisure and library facilities across the borough and the Greenwich One Card will make it easier and more convenient access to them. I would encourage everyone to sign up straight away and start taking advantage of all it has to offer.”