Funding aims to make Torridge town centre more attractive

Seventeen businesses in Bideford were successful in their applications

Twenty four businesses in Torridge have been allocated funding to brighten up their frontages, in a bid to make town centres more attractive.

Nearly £18,000 - allocated under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - has been distributed to successful applicants in the area.

It is hoped the improvements will increase footfall for businesses.

Three previously empty premises have also been filled with new businesses as a result of the funding.

The majority of the applications came from Bideford businesses with 17 in total; followed by three each in Great Torrington and Holsworthy and one application from Appledore.

'More pleasing aesthetics'

Councillor Bob Hicks, lead member for the economy and estates, said: "This is a great example of how a relatively modest injection of cash into the Torridge economy can leverage further investment and innovation and have a proportionally much bigger impact.

"Aside from the improved frontages and visually more pleasing aesthetics for our high streets, the three new businesses and five new jobs created are an outstanding success for this relatively small investment provided as part of the UK Shared Prosperity fund."

Amy Eira Jewellery, in Bideford, said: "It's really helped me bring the shop front in line with my business branding.

I really appreciate the acceptance of my grant application and I hope the town will benefit from the plans I have with my new shop."

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