SHOP owners in Burnham could be in line for cash to help them improve the appearance of their businesses, thanks to a new scheme from the town council.

The Businesses Frontage Improvement Grant will provide £25,000 to independent traders in the town centre to encourage repairs, renovations and enhancements to shop fronts.

The scheme which is run by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council is funded from the Section 106 money paid to the council as a result of the Tesco store expansion.

Beverley Milner Simonds, Burnham town centre manager, said: “Shop fronts and business frontages are the most clearly visible part of a building’s façade and they make a big impact on the appearance on the town centre.

“They contribute to people’s first impression of the town and their condition can affect the town's image, either positively or negatively.

“Shop fronts and business frontages that are in poor condition and showing signs of neglect are often used as indicators of economic decline.

“High quality fronts can make a town feel more welcoming to locals and visitors, improve its image, contribute towards a stronger sense of identity and, importantly, encourage a greater number of shopping visits by locals and visitors alike.”

The scheme will mean that traders can apply for one of two grants.

The first option will provide funding for up to 50% of the costs of eligible repairs and improvements to shop fronts.

There is a maximum grant available of £5,000 meaning the maximum value of works eligible will be £10,000 and a minimum grant available of £2,500 meaning the minimum value of works eligible will be £5,000.

The second option is a maximum one off grant of up to £1,000 with no minimum value of works.

Applications are open now and close on 28 February 2015 or when all the funds have been allocated.

For an application form or for more information email bostown centremanager@gmail.com or visit the website at www.burnhamhighbridge. org