Scheme starts to make Worcester's shops more attractive

The scheme is aimed at making shops look more attractive to shoppers, Worcester City Council said

Firms taking on empty retail units are being offered up to £12,000 to improve how they look in a bid to get more visitors into a city.

The scheme in Worcester is aimed at keeping the area attractive to shoppers, the city council said.

Firms have to match-fund at least 50% and those already in units can apply for up to £6,000.

The money can also be used to improve access to the buildings, councillor Robyn Norfolk said.

"Increasing occupancy of vacant premises and enhancing the appearance of existing shops should help attract footfall," she added.

The project has been funded with £2.96m from the government.