Shop owners and traders in Ross on Wye and surrounding area are being urged to take advantage of available grants and give their shop-fronts a make-over.
The Ross Area Shop Front Grant Scheme, funded by Advantage West Midlands Market Towns Initiative, was launched in August 2005 and grants are still available to improve the appearance of the shops in the town centre and surrounding villages in the HR9 area. The council-managed scheme intends to make the area a more pleasant place to shop for local people and tourists.
Grants of fifty per cent of the total project cost, up to a maximum of £2,500 are available to owners or traders leasing shops that are independent retail and commercial premises. The scheme excludes banks, building societies, multiples and private residencies
This grant offers local retailers the opportunity to replace modern shop fronts, including signage, with something more appropriate to the age and style of the building and the character of the town centre. It can also help with the cost of restoring, repairing or re-painting existing shop fronts.
The scheme has already helped 18 shops with grants totalling over £20,000.
One shop that has recently benefited from the scheme is Ross-on-Wye’s Antique Tea Shop on the High Street.
Shop owner, Mrs Cockin said: “Thanks to the grant we have been able to improve our shop front and we are thrilled with the results of the redecoration. I feel this has enhanced not only the tea rooms but also the market hall area and I would urge other businesses to take advantage of the scheme”.
Any traders or landlords wanting to take advantage of the grant scheme should contact the Herefordshire Council Delegated Grants Team for further details and an application form on (01432) 260753 or email the team at: delegatedgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk.