Successful town centre business grants scheme will be extended
A MAINTENANCE grant scheme that has helped spruce up businesses in Mountain Ash town centre is being extended.
The grant gives the chance for firms and landlords to apply for funding to help improve the appearance of their property fronts in order to improve the street scene and attract more visitors to the retail areas.
Works must be carried out by a reputable contractor, and the scheme will contribute a maximum of 75% towards eligible costs – with a maximum grant of £1,000. A further grant of up to £300 (75% maximum contribution) may also be available where scaffolding or skip hire is required.
The pilot has been a success so far, with council officers working closely with businesses to help them to apply for the grant.
In Mountain Ash, 20 properties have taken up the grant, while 32 have done so in Tonypandy.
So far, more than £88,300 of property front improvements have been agreed, of which £50,100 has been contributed by the grant. A further 28 applications are currently in development and, following agreement by cabinet, the scheme will now be extended by £36,400 in Mountain Ash and Tonypandy.
Councillor Robert Bevan, RCT Council’s cabinet member for enterprise, development and housing, said: “The Town Centre Maintenance Grant in Mountain Ash and Tonypandy has been a resounding success since it began in October 2017.
“Just over nine months into the yearlong pilot, local businesses have successfully applied for the £50,000 funding the council initially allocated – and due to its popularity, cabinet members have now agreed to a further £36,400 being invested in this scheme.
“The grant is helping to improve property fronts, making our town centres more desirable places to visit – therefore helping to attract external investment.”