Businesses welcome funding for shopfronts
MONEY FROM DEVELOPERS TO LOOK OF AREA
IMPROVE THE
BUSINESSES have welcomed the chance to get help to revamp their shopfronts.
Up to £2,000 will be available to businesses in the main shopping area of South Wigston, although they will have to spend at least an equal amount from their own pockets.
Graham Bishop, of South Wigston Cycle Centre is among those keen to take the borough council up on its offer.
He said: “Anything that’s going to improve the look of the area has got to be good. You’ve seen the front of our shop, so yeah – we’re in.”
He said he hoped to use the money to improve the window frames and gutters and also get some new signage.
“The area has already improved quite a bit and I think South Wigston is doing better than Wigston Magna down the road, in terms of occupied shops,” he said.
“A lot of local people use the shops and people travel to come to shops like mine.
“I think making it more attractive would get even more people coming here, which would be good for everyone.”
Hamza Haq, at the recently-opened Master Discount Stores nearby, said he probably would not take advantage of the money but the improvements would be good for everyone.
He said: “I’ve only been here a few weeks and our shop is okay.
“But the more money the council spends on the area the better. Not all the shops, but some of them, could do with it.
“It’s a very nice area when the sun’s shining and lots of people are out. All the shops will benefit from businesses looking better on the outside.”
Gwen Cooper, 87, who was out at the shops on Saturday, said: “I do think it could do with a bit of improvement around here because it is a nice place to shop. It’s just that some of the places around here are looking a bit dowdy.”
John Boyce, leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, said: “Shop fronts are important in attracting in shoppers, but also in improving the look and feel of our towns.
“We are fortunate to have secured this funding through developer contributions and we want to see the maximum benefit for businesses in South Wigston.
“We are keen to ensure that none of the funds go back to the developer and therefore encourage eligible businesses to come forward.”