Grant support unveiled for high street businesses

Wakefield Council is investing over £45,000 to support businesses in Moorthorpe, South Elmsall and South Kirkby to improve the appearance of their shop fronts.

It is providing £45,839 in grants, with £36,548 invested by businesses, meaning a total of £82,387 will be injected into the high streets.

Mark Lynam, Wakefield Council’s corporate director for regeneration and economic growth, said: “I’m really pleased to have seen such a high level of interest in the grant schemes.

“Thanks to the work of the applicants, we’re now able to support businesses that have been located in these high streets for decades and improve local economies across the district.

“It will be great to see some of the improved shop fronts and town centres once works have completed.”

Since the launch of the investment scheme over 40 businesses have responded, of which 15 have so far submitted applications. More applications will go to a future meeting of the Regeneration Grants Panel.

Grant schemes offer shop units on high streets in Horbury, Moorthorpe, Ossett, South Elmsall and South Kirkby up to £10,000 towards external renovations.

Targeted schemes are also in place on Sagar Street in Castleford and on Bread Street in Wakefield, which offer grants of up to £12,000.