Bid to entice traders back to empty Market Drayton shops

A £135,000 rescue fund has been launched to combat the blight of empty shops in Market Drayton under a new scheme bosses hope will entice businesses to the town centre.

Shopkeepers can apply to the fund for help with capital costs such as revamping interiors or sprucing up tired-looking shop fronts.

The money has been approved for the town under Shropshire Council's market towns revitalisation programme, which is bringing a £425,000 shot in the arm to Market Drayton's economy.

The Shirehall-run empty shops fund will be administered with support from the town council.

Roger Hughes, Shropshire Council member for Market Drayton West, said the empty shops fund had won backing from the town council and was now ready to begin considering applications from businesses.

He said: "It's not for things like equipment and stock, but the money can be used for interior alterations or improving the shop front.

"Then if the business fails, the premises will have been improved for whoever is next to take it on.

"We want to try and attract people who might not necessarily have thought about opening a shop or business in Market Drayton town centre.

"We wanted to get the message out that with some financial support from the council it could make some of the empty shops more affordable for prospective tenants to take the premises on."

Anyone wishing to find out more could make an expression of interest to Shropshire Council officer Peter Wilson who can be emailed at Shirehall on peter.wilson@shropshire.gov.uk.

Councillor Hughes added the town will have about £100,000 left to spend after the projects earmarked for funding so far get their cash.