Grant scheme aims to increase city's café culture

Money is being offered to businesses in Bradford in a bid to increase café culture in the city.

Bradford Council is running a pilot scheme to help pay for outdoor furniture and equipment, with the aim of adding "vibrancy to the street scene".

Applicants can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to buy items such as tables, chairs, planters and lighting as well covering the costs of installation.

The scheme is currently only available to businesses on those roads "most impacted" by the recent £48m Transforming Cities Fund works, the council said.

Alex Ross-Shaw, the council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport said: "We welcome applications from businesses to introduce outdoor seating which will take advantage of the wonderful new pedestrianised areas.

"Our team have been visiting the local hospitality businesses in the eligible area to inform them of the grants and encourage them to consider expanding and use the new environment to increase trading.

"Anyone wanting to put outdoor seating facilities on the public highway such as chairs, tables, barriers, menu boards, parasols and associated structures, needs to first seek approval by applying for an Outdoor Seating Licence."

The eligible streets are:

• Market Street

• Bank Street

• Broadway

• Bridge Street

• Hall Ings

• Tyrrel Street

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.