Grays shop owners can cash in with £3,000 grants to give their shop fronts a 'face-lift'.

The money is being put up by Thurrock Council in a Shop Front Improvement Scheme.

Seven shops in the borough have already scored with the grant, including four shops in Stanford-le-Hope which on the High Street. Kings Street, and the central parade.

The Grays scheme includes the High Street shops and all the surrounding roads, including Orsett Road and Cromwell Road.

The grants are available to small and medium sized stores and not larger national businesses, and shops will have to apply to see if they meet the eligibility criteria.

£2,000 grants will also be available to traders in the Grays market.

Businesses trading at Friday or Saturday markets could be eligible for a grant to cover the cost of a 'continental stall'. 'Continental stalls' are stronger and have a shorter assembly time.

Shop owners in Aveley, Stanford le Hope, Socketts Heath and South Ockendon are also eligible to apply for the grant.

4 Paws Essex and Creative Photography are the most recent recipients of the grant. Debra Astbury, co-owner of 4 Paws said: "Receiving the shop front grant meant we could afford to get the design and style we wanted to represent our business."

 

Local councillor and Leader of the Council, Cllr John Kent, said: “There are some really good developments happening in Grays at the moment – the college and the former Magistrates’ Court for example.

“These - along with others that will be coming soon - makes it an exciting time to be in and around the town.

“I am keen that local shopkeepers are able to benefit from these developments, so I would urge local shopkeepers to see if they are eligible and to take advantage of the scheme if they can.”

Shopkeepers and stall holders in the area who are interested in applying should contact the council to find out if they’re eligible on 01375 652271.

Further details on the scheme can be found at: www.thurrock.gov.uk/shop-front-improvement.

Anybody interested in applying for a pitch at Grays market please visit www.hughmark.com