EXTRA money is to be made available to shops and businesses in a town as the drive continues to make it a better place to live and work.

The Richmond Town Centre Forum has managed to fill almost half the empty shops in the town centre.

A clothes shop, another selling teddy bears and a video and games hire business are among nine success stories of 2003 - although ten empty premises remain to be filled.

The Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative has announced more good news for the business community, confirming it will contribute towards the cost of projects which will either make town centre shops look more attractive or help ensure they are more accessible. Applications can be made for grants from the Commercial Property Grant Scheme by businesses which want to improve their shop fronts, hanging signs, or to improve access for disabled customers.

"First impressions are incredibly important so, if we want to attract new retailers to Richmond, it is essential that we enhance the appearance of the town," said Richmond town manager Colin Grant.

"We also want to encourage commercial premises to realise that improving their access for disabled people makes good business sense."

The grants, available to all retailers and commercial premises in Richmond town centre, could also help to ensure that shops comply with the new Disability Discrimination Act when it comes into force in October next year.

Under the law, firms will be required to make sure their premises are more user-friendly for those with special needs.

"We are delighted we are in a position to support retailers with this scheme, especially in light of the new regulations,'' said Mr Grant.

The scheme, run in partnership with Richmondshire District Council, was announced at a seminar on the impact of the Disability Discrimination Act, addressed by the town's MP, William Hague.

For more information on the grants and how to apply for them, call Colin Grant on (01748) 825835, or write to him at 6 Flints Terrace, Richmond, DL10 7AH.