A GRANT of £80,000 has been made available to shops and businesses in Redcar High Street to regenerate their premises.

They can apply until March for the money, which is to be used for door and window replacement and roof and structural repairs.

Successful applications have already been made by a pub, two guesthouses, a dentist's and a shop. They have received £30,000 between them.

Redcar town centre manager John Partridge said: "The objective is to encourage improvement or renovation of property and premises in the whole of the eastern end of the High Street.

"There are a number of vacant properties and part of the strategy is to bring them into use. We also hope the grant scheme will act as an incentive for investors to come to the town, and if the town becomes more attractive it will attract more visitors."

The Property Improvement Grant scheme is being funded by the West Redcar Town Centre Management and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Development Department.

Applications can be made for the grant for up to 50 per cent of their total costs, to a maximum of £10,000.

For details, or an application form, contact Mr Partridge on (01642) 472 485.