A NEW scheme has been unveiled by council bosses to give a fresh outlook to stores in Haslingden town centre.

Traders can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to improve their premises, as part of the Haslingden Task Force initiative.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Shopkeepers must put up 50 per cent of the overall cost, with only locations within the town centre qualifying.

Last year Rossendale Council provided £100,000 for the task force, which features representatives from the authority and business community.

Cllr Alyson Barnes, the council’s leader and chairman of Haslingden Task Force, said: “The idea for the shop front improvement scheme came out of discussions with task force members.

“We hope that by supporting local businesses to make improvements to their shops it will contribute to the regeneration of Haslingden and encourage more visitors to the town.”

Only a handful of vacant sites currently exist within the main shopping streets. Even the former Royal British Legion Club in Deardengate has been sold for redevelopment. Other recent arrivals in Deardengate include Kaya Beauty Therapy, next to the old post office, and The Lagaan restaurant.

Andrea Britland, from Dearden Tea Rooms, who is also chairman of Haslingden Traders Group, added: “This is a great opportunity for local traders to work together through the scheme to really make a difference to the appearance of their shops and businesses and the town centre as a whole.”

Those wanting to take part are asked to return forms to the authority’s regeneration team by January 22.