A TRANSFORMATIONAL £1m scheme has been launched to revitalise four main towns across the Copeland area, and applications open on Monday.

Town and borough councillors, along with members of the business community, gathered in Millom Network Centre today (21) to hear the details of the scheme that will see a huge cash injection into the borough.

Mike Starkie, mayor of Copeland, has pledged £500,000 to regenerate shopfronts in Copeland's towns and villages, alongside street improvements, with hopes of attracting a further £500,000 from the private sector.

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."

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.

Mr Starkie said: "We have a wealth of fantastic, 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."

Grants are available for up to 50 per cent of the value of the work required, up to a maximum amount of £5,000, to improve the external appearance of commercial property.

Mr Starkie said: “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 scheme is open to owners, landlords and tenants of units located in Copeland’s towns and villages, with priority given to the four main town centres of Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont and Millom.

For more information contact the council’s economic development department by email at shopfront@copeland.gov.uk or by calling 01946 598433.