BUSINESSES in Bishop Auckland are being offered thousands of pounds to brighten up their premises.

Up to 15 new jobs have already been created in the town thanks to two schemes which are smartening up store fronts, creating extra floorspace and improving access to buildings.

The Bishop Auckland Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme focuses on historic Fore Bondgate and the Market Place and has almost £90,000 available before the end of next March.

It has helped with improvements to eight properties, seven on Fore Bondgate and Killerby House, on Durham Chare, where a derelict warehouse has been transformed into a fashion shop and coffee shop with two floors of offices above.

The Commercial Building Improvement scheme has helped to pay for improvements to six shops and currently has up to £80,000 to spend in Newgate Street between the Market Place and the railway bridge.

Both initiatives have led to flats being created above shops enabling people to live in the town centre.

For details on the funding which is available contact Bryan Harris Monday to Thursday on (0191) 383 3164.