A scheme aimed at supporting businesses to repair and improve their shop fronts is being extended in Huntingdonshire.

St Neots and Ramsey town centres will now receive funding from the scheme which has been funded by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and is being delivered jointly by BID Huntingdon First and Huntingdonshire District Council.

The grants can be used to improve the aesthetics and accessibility of high streets with the aim of encouraging residents to shop locally and attract more local businesses to the area.

Applications will be reviewed monthly, and examples of improvements include, but are not limited to: repairs, improving accessibility, repainting, signage, external lighting, repair of external stonework and brickwork, repair and reinstatement of guttering and down-pipes, window display equipment and lighting and professional fees.

HDC's executive councillor for jobs, economy and housing, Cllr Sam Wakeford, said: “We are thrilled that we can now extend this popular scheme into St Neots and Ramsey.

The Hunts Post: The scheme is being extended to Ramsey High Street.The scheme is being extended to Ramsey High Street. (Image: HDC)

"The scheme provides our independent business owners with a great opportunity to make their business even more attractive and help encourage more residents and visitors into the towns to enjoy the great shops St Neots and Ramsey have to offer.”

The mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, said: “Community and commerce, this initiative scores for both. The combined authority is massively committed to the market towns and this scheme has been a real winner.

Extending it widens opportunity, making these town centres ever more attractive to visitors, shoppers, investors, new businesses, and to the residents who love where they live.

Paul Sweeney, Huntingdon First town manager said: “We at BID Huntingdon First are really pleased to see the Shop Front Grant Scheme rolled out to the remaining market towns in the district.

"The fund has been really well received in Huntingdon and St Ives and we have seen some incredible work going into improving the aesthetics of some local businesses.

“Working together across the district makes our entire area a place that we can all be proud to call home." 

For more information on eligibility and an application form, businesses can visit: https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk.