AN ARMY of impish elves are helping to rekindle interest in high street shopping in a community left without a bank.

The elves, dressed in smart mini Santa costumes, have begun appearing in shop window displays and quirky vantage points in businesses across Lees.

The initiative is being spearheaded as part of the launch of a Saddleworth and Lees regeneration scheme aimed at encouraging more footfall in local shops.

The Springhead, Grotton and Lees Business Group has been formed by local borough councillors, Adrian Alexander and Steve Hewitt, GMP’s PC Mark Clough and PCSOs, local businesses and the local library.

Cllr Hewitt, who also serves on Saddleworth Parish Council, fought a sustained battle in a bid to retain the Barclays bank.

However, despite protests the bank closed last year and local businesses feared it could have a knock-on effect in enticing people to shop locally.

The community was also hit by a rash of antisocial behaviour and crime and Cllr Hewitt said: “The committee is absolutely committed to seeing Lees thrive and return to good fortune.

“Its work is seen as a natural progression on how can we improve the villages. Initially, we worked on an idea for lighting the high street up in Lees so it would be more welcoming.

“But, due to process, it took too long to happen this year but will definitely happen next year.

“So for this Yuletide, backed by shopkeepers and other businesses, we have launched a ‘Spot the Elf’ competition with a prize, donated by local businesses, presented to the winners.

“And it’s starting to work already,” he declared. “Many elves have already been purchased and the businesses have been busy placing the naughty elves in the most unlikely places.

“We will have an ‘elf trail’ in place across the community weaving in and out of shops and other outlets. It’s pre-Christmas fun and I’m delighted it’s caught the locals imaginations.”