MORE than £330,000 worth of discounts were claimed across West Dunbartonshire as part of the recent Eat Out to Help Out (EOTHO) scheme.

New figures released by the government revealed that 50 restaurants across the local authority signed up to take part, with 65,000 meals and £330,000 worth of discounts claimed.

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, told the Post: “The EOTHO scheme has created some really valuable momentum for many businesses operating in this sector who have faced major challenges since the start of the crisis.

“It has provided a much-needed boost for the Scottish and Dunbartonshire economies as part of the government measures to support businesses during this difficult and uncertain time.

“The statistics are really encouraging and show some fantastic support from within our local communities for the businesses in their area.

Read more: First tenants to move into homes on former St Andrew’s High site

“It was particularly good to see that some of the figures for the weekends also showed an upturn against the previous year so the campaign appears to have boosted uptake across the whole week not just those days covered by the scheme.

“We now need to maintain some of this momentum to ensure that our local businesses can continue to bounce back. Our cafes, bars and restaurants are at the heart of our communities and a key part of the Dunbartonshire economy.

“We need all of our communities to continue giving their wonderful backing to local businesses to support our local economies and protect jobs.”

Across north-west Glasgow, 70,000 meals were claimed across 83 restaurants, worth a total discount of £361,000.