Council's plan to tackle empty shops with grant offer

Businesses and entrepreneurs are being offered grants of up to £5,000 to help bring empty shops back into use.

The funding has been made available by Oswestry Town Council as part of a scheme aimed at encouraging new businesses to take over vacant premises in the town centre.

As part of of the initiative, grants can be used for a range of costs, including refurbishment work, decorating, signage, branding and accessibility improvements.

The scheme will be open to businesses looking to move into town centre properties that have been vacant for more than six months.

Mayor Jonathan Upton said the town centre was already in a strong position and the grants were designed to build on that success.

"We want to ensure that any vacant property becomes an opportunity for ambitious local businesses," he said.

"This initiative reflects the council's commitment to keeping Oswestry a place where new businesses can take root and the high street continues to thrive."

The council said the funding was intended to help reduce the number of empty units while supporting local enterprise and investment in the town centre.

Applications for the grants opened in June, with a deadline of 21 August. Businesses can find further information and application details through the town council.

The council previously made the same offer to potential businesspeople last summer.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.