Tentative inquiries by South Lakeland District Council to set up a staff discount scheme have sparked resentment and disbelief from traders, reports Andy Bloxham.

Selected businesses, including sports shops and restaurants, have received a letter asking for their view on the idea of giving discounts to all 900 SLDC employees.

Peter Boyd, chairman of Kendal Retailers Forum, which has 500 members, said some of them had received the letter, adding: "The general opinion is no."

George Inchmore, chairman of the South Lakeland branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "Some of the members think someone's just taking the mick."

He added: "The timing's horrendous when we have all these problems with the roads and parking."

Mr Inchmore said it was down to the traders to make up their own minds about the merits of the scheme but warned the scheme would not be reciprocated with discounted business rates.

Johnathon Blacow, of Blacow's Menswear, in Elephant Yard, was more direct: "Are they going to give me 20 per cent off my rates?"

Mr Blacow, who did not receive a letter, said many traders feel the same way: "They don't do you any favours so you don't feel like doing them any. I think it's a bloody cheek."

The letter says that "the council employs in excess of 900 people locally and your participation in such a scheme would give you direct access to the purchasing power of those people."

It promises a business listing on the council's internal website and any discount details being distributed regularly to council staff.

SLDC human resources officer Paul Lang, who wrote the letter, said about ten had been sent out to gauge the level of interest and reaction had been "a bit mixed". He said the scheme was intended to improve staff retention but added SLDC did not have a problem keeping its employees.

Nigel Byrom, of The Family House Furniture, on Wildman Street, said he had to ask for a letter and was disappointed more businesses were not approached. He said: "Our family has always given discounts to big employers but they should have gone to everybody if they are going to do it."