A £1m scheme has been launched to revitalise parts of Cumbria.

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, has pledged £500, 000 to regenerate shopfronts in Copeland’s towns and villages, alongside street improvements, which will attract a further £500,000 from the private sector.

Councillors, media and members of the business community were at The Beacon Portal, Whitehaven to hear details of the scheme.

Mr Starkie said: “This project has the potential to be transformational for Copeland. We all have enormous pride in our borough, and this funding will help us and the community continue to create a place where people are proud to live, work and visit. This council is delighted to be at the forefront of helping to make this happen.

“We have a wealth of fantastic and innovative small businesses in the area – some with family histories going back generations - and it is vitally important that we support those who wish to improve the appearance of their premises, their contribution to their communities and to reach their full commercial potential.

“Our towns are steeped in rich architectural heritage and, while costly to maintain, we must ensure that we’re doing all we can to enhance the unique character of the borough’s built environment for everyone to enjoy and to have pride in our place.”

The Copeland Pride of Place Town Centre Regeneration Scheme encourages business owners to enhance the external appearance of town centre shops and buildings as well as improving the borough’s built environment and street scene.

Grants are available for up to 50 per cent of the value of the work required, up to a maximum amount of £5,000. Businesses will need to match fund the grant.

The scheme is open to owners, landlords and tenants of units that are located within Copeland’s towns and villages, with priority given to the four main town centres of Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont and Millom.

Of the £500,000 £375,000 will be spent in town centres, with £75,000 in villages in Copeland and £50,000 for street improvements.

Applications open on Monday.