Cash grants offered to help refresh town centres

To be eligible for the grants, applicants must show they can match 50% of the funding

Grants of up to £10,000 are being made available to help revitalise high streets in Shropshire's market towns.

Shropshire Council has launched a new scheme to bring underused spaces in the county back into productive use and help boost local economic growth.

The grants are on offer to landlords of properties within designated market town conservation areas that have been vacant for more than 12 months.

To be eligible, applicants need to show how the money will be used to enhance the property's rental potential, with a mandatory match of 50% of the funding.

The funding is being made available through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Shropshire Council said the project would help to preserve "the unique character of our historic towns".

The grants are available to support improvement works that will help make properties more attractive and rentable.

The council said that in exceptional cases, higher grants may be considered.

All applications for funding will be assessed against the potential for economic impact, deliverability, and alignment with conservation area priorities.

Councillor Rob Wilson said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to bring long-vacant properties back into use.

"By supporting landlords to invest in their buildings, we're helping to revitalise our high streets, encourage new businesses, and strengthen the economic resilience of our market towns."