Town centre bosses and councillors in Bracknell have hailed the current Eat Out to Help Out scheme, as many businesses have reported record takings thanks to the campaign.

The initiative, running through the whole of August, involves the Treasury footing up to £10 off per head on Monday to Wednesday, and has proved a huge success.

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Restaurants, cafes, pubs and other establishments are reporting a surge in business on days that are traditionally the quieter ones in the hospitality sector.

The Treasury received more than 10.5million claims for meals from restaurants in the first week.

The Lexicon said the scheme has "proved to be incredibly successful at driving footfall".

Pubs, restaurants and cafes have been full with people taking advantage of the government scheme, with more than 65 million people making use of the scheme in the first three weeks nationally.

Marc Brunel-Walker, executive member for economic development and regeneration, said: “It’s been great to see so many people out in Bracknell Forest, making use of the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Everywhere I go in the borough, our pubs and restaurants have been packed full on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and nationally, figures show over 65 million people made use of the scheme in its first three weeks.

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“There are measures in place to keep you safe while eating out and shopping, so please do remember the importance of wearing a face covering, handwashing regularly and maintaining social distancing.

“It’s vital that we do all we can to support our local restaurants, pubs and businesses once the scheme finishes, as local businesses in Bracknell Forest need our support now more than ever.”

Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon said: “The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has proved incredibly successful at driving footfall to the town centre. We have seen many customers enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks in restaurants and coffee shops at The Lexicon.”