A MARKET town is set for a spruce-up thanks to a new initiative.

Owners of shops and businesses in Bromyard can apply for a grant to help fund improvements to their shop fronts.

Funds are available to replace modern fascias with styles more appropriate to the age of the building, as well as for restoration and repairs and reinstatement of historic features.

The Bromyard Area Regeneration Partnership is running the scheme with regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands, as part of the Market Towns Initiative, under which Bromyard has received £300,000.

Coun Charles Mayson, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for rural regeneration and smallholdings, said the scheme would enhance the appearance of businesses and have a beneficial effect on the whole town.

"It is a scheme which has worked very well before in Bromyard, and in other market towns, and we are confident it will have a similar effect this time around."

It is hoped the grants will help to fill a number of empty shops and encourage trade back into the town.

Businesses can receive up to 50 per cent of the total project cost, up to a maximum of £2,000.

For more information, phone Nick Webster, Bromyard Market Towns Officer, on 01432 260064.