That is the question that Lithgow and District Chamber of Commerce president Peter Pilbeam is asking.

At a Chamber meeting last week, a presentation for a 'shop local' initiative called 'Why Leave Town' was given to around 25 to 30 local residents and councillors.

"This initiative has implemented successful all year round shop local programs in many council areas throughout regional NSW, so we're investigating and hopeful to have it up and running in Lithgow by Mothers Day," he said.

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Mr Pilbeam said that he had been working closely with Minister for small business Damien Tudehope.

"He was really supportive of the idea and we are working on education programs for small businesses, like how to set up tendering and registering for the program," he said.

Mr Pilbeam said that the local ministers had also been supportive of the shop local idea.

"They have been very positive about the idea, so it has been nice to see that support," he said.

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The meeting was unanimous that the Chamber should go ahead with the idea.

"We just need to get more businesses on side," he said.

The Lithgow Mercury recently published an editorial reminding residents to shop locally or risk losing stores. This was in response to a number of comments asking for more national retailers on a post questioning residents what businesses they'd like to see come to town.

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