A £30,000 project to enhance the physical appearance of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge has been launched this week.
The Shop Front Grant Scheme – which was initially unveiled last autumn – has launched this week with the aim of enhancing the character of shops in the two towns.
Organisers of the scheme are inviting applications from shop owners who want to improve the frontage of their businesses.
“Eligible shop fronts may include retail and commercial premises but banks, building societies and private residences are excluded. Your business must be in either Burnham-On-Sea or Highbridge town centres,” said Town Centre Manager Anne-Marie Spalding, who is overseeing the project.
“The eligible works include the replacement of a modern shop front with one more appropriate to the age and style of the building and character of the town; the restoration and repair of existing historical shop fronts; and the reinstatement of historical, original or traditional architectural features.”
“Because we only have limited funds we have to limit the grant that we are able to offer to each project. This means that we limit the grant to 50% of the total eligible project cost, up to a maximum of £2,000.”
Alex Turco from Burnham’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce welcomed the scheme. “A number of responses to the Chamber of Trade & Commerce’s recent Shoppers’ Feedback scheme identified poorly maintained shop fronts as requiring improvement,” he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“The Chamber of Trade and Commerce is delighted to support this excellent initiative to improve the appearance of the Town Centre. We hope that this financial commitment from the District Council will encourage businesses to invest in their futures.”
To obtain an application form, firms should contact the Town Centre Manager on 01278 435784 or email her at towncentremanager@sedgemoor.gov.uk.
Once an application is received, Mrs Spalding will consult with Sedgemoor’s Conservation Officer to ensure that the proposals enhance the appearance of the town and do not contravene any planning legislation. The application will then be considered by Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council’s Town Improvements Committee.
More details about the scheme are to be discussed at Burnham Chamber of Trade’s next meeting on 16th January in the Ritz Social Club at 6pm.
