Town Centre Beautification scheme launched in Torridge

Torridge District Council has announced a new scheme to support local independent businesses with grants of up to £1000 available to help improve or repair shop fronts or other potential 'beautification projects' within town centres.

The funding has been made available as part of the money allocated to Torridge under the UK Shared Prosperity fund, with a 50:50 match funding arrangement.

Under the scheme the council will contribute up to 50% of a project's total cost with the business at least matching the Torridge grant contribution.

The funding is aimed at encouraging the creation of more attractive town centres and enhance the character of the towns across the district.

Proposals will be marshalled under the umbrella of the councils 'beautification project,' with the aim of making town centres more attractive and increasing footfall, whilst encouraging new businesses and projects to open up within the town centres.

The council has set a deadline of June 7th for applications and would like to hear from businesses in Bideford, Northam, Westward Ho!, Appledore, Great Torrington and Holsworthy.

Any projects will need to fit in with the local aesthetics of the area and take into consideration other aspects such as conservation areas.

All projects must be completed by October 2023 and as examples might include replacing shop fronts, windows doors and guttering, painting of existing shop fronts, replacement signage, or town centre art projects.

Sean Kearney, Head of Communities and Place, said: "Torridge is blessed to have many amazing independent businesses who take lots of care and pride in their premises and town centres. The beautification scheme provides business owners with an excellent opportunity to start a new project or take on a bigger scheme that they might be struggling to finance.

"Whether people consider a smaller or bigger scheme the funding is there to make our towns look brighter and more inviting as well as giving the individual businesses a chance to improve their own presentation to attract customers."

For more information on eligibility and an application form, please visit: www.torridge.gov.uk/beautificationscheme or contact Kirsty Defranceski (Town Centre Project Officer) at Torridge District Council on 01237 428919 or email [email protected] if you would like to discuss the scheme further

The application deadline is Wednesday, June 7, 2023, with successful applicants being notified by Monday, June 12, 2023.