Business owners and householders in Aspatria and Silloth have been taking advantage of Allerdale Council’s Town Centre Facelift Scheme – with two thirds of the scheme’s budget now committed.

The initiative, which has previously been successful in Maryport and Wigton, sees the council provide grants for property owners to spruce up buildings.

The Facelift Scheme provides up to £900 for each property, with the property owner match-funding this with 10 per cent of the grant total. Therefore a £500 grant requires match funding of £50.

Earlier this year the scheme was rolled out in the two towns and some work to buildings has already been completed. Almost two thirds of the scheme’s budget has now been assigned to projects with the council continuing to encourage property owners to come forward and take part.

So far, more than 40 properties have taken advantage of the scheme, 20 in Silloth and 21 Aspatria.

The money can be spent on things like materials such as paint and any labour costs, the repair or replacement of damaged items like drain pipes or guttering, and any external lighting. The grant is not eligible for some work and it is best to consult with the council before making an application.

A council spokesman said: “The scheme has so far been a huge success with many businesses and home owners submitting applications. The work will give both these fantastic towns a lift and help not only make them nicer places to be, but support business growth and sustainability.

“We welcome more applications from people in Aspatria and Silloth town centres and look forward to working with them.”

The applicant is expected to investigate whether they would require planning permission or other consent. The application can come from tenants, though they must have the approval of the landowner.

For more information and to get an application form contact the council’s Business Engagement Manager, Toni Magean, at toni.magean@allerdale.gov.uk. Hard copies of forms are available in both the towns’ Local Links offices.

The deadline for applications to be made to the council is December 31, 2019.