RESIDENTS in Brierfield are being encouraged to apply for a grant from a £500,000 pot of money for improving housing.

Owners and prospective owners of properties in the town, in Council Tax bands A-D, can apply for two types of grants.

One provides up to £5,000 for minor improvements. The other grant covers a minimum of 75 per cent of the cost of a full renovation of their property, depending on people's circumstances, and is intended to extend the life of the property by at least 30 years.

Paul Lloyd, of Pendle Council's Urban Renewal Team, said: "These grants are from funding secured via Elevate under the Government's Housing Market Renewal Initiative and are aimed at improving the quality of terraced housing in parts of Pendle.

"It is hoped funding will be made available next year for properties in Colne and Nelson."

Contact 01282 661961.