[T]EN town centre businesses have reaped the rewards of Copeland Mayor Mike Starkie’s transformational regeneration scheme.
Over £35,000 of the fund has been awarded so far to businesses in Whitehaven, Millom and Cleator Moor.
Successful applicants include; Sporthouse, The Vine, Shakers, The Senhouse Centre, Savvy, The Flower Basket, Union Hall and Dixons, all in Whitehaven Town Centre. Also receiving grants are the Town Council building in Cleator Moor and Cambridge House Hotel in Millom.
Joanne Duddy, business owner of The Flower Basket in Whitehaven, said: “We used the grant to repaint the front of the shop.
“It gave us the opportunity to reinvest into the business, to make the premises look even more attractive.
“We’re really grateful for the support of the local council. The process was really straight forward and we’d encourage more businesses to apply.”
The Pride of Place scheme, launched in July, encourages business owners in the borough to enhance the external appearance of their premises.
Grants are available for up to £5,000 for improvements to windows and frames, doorways, external decoration and signage. It is a 50 per cent contribution that means that businesses are required to invest in their premises to match-fund the grant.
Copeland Council has had over 130 enquiries following the scheme’s launch.
Mayor Mike Starkie said: “I’m delighted that the response has been so overwhelmingly positive to this project.
“We’re backing this scheme with £500,000 of council money to attract the same investment from the private sector.
“We all have enormous pride in our borough, and this funding will help us and the community continue to create a place where people are proud to live, work and visit. This Council is delighted to be at the forefront of helping to make this happen.”
For more information contact Copeland Council’s Economic Development Department by email at [email protected] or by calling 01946 598433.
