FROM SARAH HOWE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL
Brigg is the latest town to benefit from the recently launched Traditional Shopfront Grant Scheme that aims to improve shop fronts in conservation areas.
Part of a rolling programme that will eventually benefit shops in other conservations areas, the council is making available around £200,000 in the next two years.
The Traditional Shop Front Grant Scheme plans to offer grants of 50 per cent for the installation of new traditionally styled shop fronts up to a maximum of £7,500 if work is completed within a year of the grant offer.
For more details about the grant scheme, contact Eddie Rychlak, conservation officer at the council on 01724 297634 or email eddie.rychlak@northlincs.gov.uk
Coun Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), Leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The new scheme will support independent traders in Brigg and provide a welcoming environment for visitors and residents. Shop fronts make a big impact on the appearance of town centres and the character of the conservation area.
“There are many great examples of traditional shop fronts in Brigg and we want to help secure even more investment in the town centre. Since we reinstated 2 hours free car parking in 2011 Brigg has become an attractive destination with thousands of shoppers visiting each week. Now with the investment in the River Ancholme Way more and more people want to live and work in the town.
“Brigg is a fantastic historic market town and we want people to see what a great place it is. The money will make the town look even more attractive encouraging investment in high quality design shop fronts.”
N.F. ADDS: Older Brigg residents will remember the very welcome Regeneration Project of the 1980s and 1990s which operated along similar lines, with Rob Lawton the officer overseeing the improvement scheme. The picture above shows a current property in the town centre.
