Date: 20/07/2006
Extra grants of up to £177,000 are now available to encourage even more businesses and householders to enhance the appearance of historic buildings in several towns in the High Peak.
Areas in Chapel-en-le-Frith, Glossop, Higher Buxton and New Mills qualify for extra cash from English Heritage as part of the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS).
Since 1999, around £1.5 million has been spent on repairs and restoration work to historic buildings in the High Peak thanks to HERS, helping to regenerate such areas as Buxton Market Place and High Street, the area around the Market Place and Town End in Chapel and town centres in Glossop and New Mills.
An additional sum of £115,000 from English Heritage in 2006/7 is being match funded by £46,000 from High Peak Borough Council and £16,000 from Derbyshire County Council.
Under HERS, an extra £60,000 is available in Glossop, £40,000 in Chapel-en-le-Frith, £40,000 in Buxton and £37,000 in New Mills.
Grants are being offered to help finance suitable repairs and restoration projects and are primarily targeted at commercial properties, focusing on traditional shop fronts as well as other work such as roof repairs and re-pointing.
They have to be allocated and spent by 31 March 2007, so anyone interested who thinks they may be eligible should apply as soon as possible.
"Over the past eight years, the HERS scheme has played a leading role in helping to improve the appearance of historic buildings in all four towns," said Councillor Alan Wells, High Peak Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration.
"Not only has it encouraged businesses and householders to upgrade their premises, it has also stimulated economic regeneration by turning these areas into attractive places where people want to invest, do business, shop and spend their leisure time.
"This extra money is extremely welcome to help carry on the good work until the end of the financial year, and we are pleased to continue to support the scheme. Anyone interested who believes they may qualify should get in touch without delay."
Further information is available from grants officer Julie Anne Renfrew on 0845 129 7777 extension 3733 or by e-mail at conservation@highpeak.gov.uk