Rate relief to regenerate retail in Ross
Herefordshire Council is making moves to regenerate retail in Ross-on-Wye by offering financial incentives to encourage new retailers into the market town.
The ‘New Trader Support Grants’ are available to retail and hospitality businesses moving into premises in Ross-on-Wye town centre to help them pay their business rates.
The scheme aims to help regenerate the town centre’s retail status and improve the range and quality of the retail on offer for residents and tourists.
This is a pilot scheme and grants are available immediately. It’s expected that the scheme will run until September 2006.
“Ross is a beautiful market town and a great attraction for tourists and Herefordshire residents alike,” said Cllr Roger Phillips, Leader of Herefordshire Council.
“When Ross Chamber of Commerce approached us about implementing a rate relief scheme to encourage new businesses to come into Ross-on-Wye we realised what great potential it could have and set about making it happen.
“We hope this scheme will encourage more retailers and hospitality businesses to come to Ross-on-Wye by offering them a financial helping hand in their first few months.
“More retail and hospitality trade in Ross-on-Wye will make the market town an even more vibrant and bustling place to visit and live.”
Anyone interested in applying for a ‘New Trader Support Grant’ should call the Council’s Delegated Grants and Programmes Team on (01432) 260753 or e-mail delegatedgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk.
There is a limit on the amount of grant available. Businesses will either be able to receive a grant of up to £750 or an amount equivalent to three months National Non-Domestic Rates, whichever is the lesser.
To be valid for a ‘New Trader Support Grant’ the business has to be deemed to enhance the quality of retail on offer in the town centre and the premises located on Broad Street, Brookend Street or High Street. A map outlining all eligible areas is available on the ‘New Trader Support Grant’ information leaflet.
