Shop and stall grant for town

Funding for vacant shops, shop front improvements and new stallholders has been announced by Ashfield District Council (ADC) - as long as they are not betting or sex shops, or selling fire arms or e-cigarettes.

The grants for new market traders will pay for 50 per cent of the pitch rent - reducing the £11 cost to £5.50 - for 45 days.

As well as this, existing retailers could benefit from a shop front improvement grant.

Councillor Jim Aspinall, Portfolio Holder for Prosperity at Ashfield District Council said: “This is a great opportunity for people to access grant funding to help them move to vacant premises or to improve the appearance of their shop front.

“It also means that as a result of the funding the indoor and outdoor market stalls could potentially enjoy a higher occupancy rate.

“The scheme has the opportunity to get vacant units and market stalls over the three towns occupied creating a vibrant, busy environment for shoppers and traders alike in addition to potentially enhancing the appearance of shops that are already occupied.”

Dave Barker, senior markets officer at ADC, said Hucknall’s Friday market currently offers around ten regular traders. He said: “The number of traders is down on what it used to be - but most markets across the country are suffering. Markets are generally starting points for businesses, but not as many people are starting up businesses in this economic climate.”

He said a craft and food market in Hucknall on Friday 27th March would bring in 30 new stalls, some of which he hoped would become regular additions to the weekly market.

He added that another fair was set for 3rd July to coincide with the Byron Festival, and more events to boost the market were being planned.

For more abou t the scheme please call Caroline Lomas on 01623 463174 or e-mail [email protected]