HEREFORDSHIRE Council is urging city shop owners and traders to take advantage of available grants and give their shop-fronts a make-over.

The Hereford City Shop Front Grant scheme, launched in November 2004, is entering its final year of funding and grants are still available to improve the physical appearance of the shops located within the city centre.

Grants of up to £7,000 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is the lesser, are available to owners or traders leasing shops that are independent retail and commercial premises.

As well as providing shop-front make-overs, grants are available to help with the reinstatement of historical, original or traditional architectural features and the fitting of certain security equipment (excluding CCTV).

The scheme excludes banks, building societies, multiples and private residencies.

Cynthia Spaull, city centre manager said: "This grant offers local retailers the opportunity to replace modern shop fronts, including signage, with something more appropriate to the age and style of the building and the character of the city centre.

"The council has already helped 29 shops with grants totalling £89,000 and we're hoping to be able to fund even more during this last year of funding."

All applications are assessed by a panel on a monthly basis. The final deadline for applications to be considered is December 2007.

Any traders or landlords wanting to take advantage of the grant scheme should contact the delegated grants team to undertake an initial eligibility check on 01432 260753 or email delegatedgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk.