TRADERS are being urged to apply for grants to improve their premises.
Funds are being offered to shops in Chester-le-Street and in Front Street, Sacriston, to meet half the costs of improving the interior and exterior of their premises.
The Business Improvement Grant Scheme (Bigs) has been put together by Chester-le-Street District Council, One NorthEast and Durham County Council.
The district council's commercial manager, Christine Davies, said: "Grants seem to be available in most other areas of industry, but the small shop on a high street gets overlooked and this is an area we are trying to address.
"The look of a shop is as much a business tool as good staff, but unfortunately most small businesses do not have the extra money to spend on what they may consider a luxury."
For further information and application forms, contact Christine Davies on 0191-387 1348.
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