BUSINESSES in Nelson town centre are being offered grants by Pendle Council to improve their premises.

Grants of up to £3,000 are being offered to help businesses improve the external appearance of their properties, or to help pay for internal structural improvements.

Grants are available for a variety of works from minor re-painting jobs, pointing, and stone cleaning, through to the complete replacement of shop fronts.

Ian Stackhouse, the council's town centres officer, said: "The grants are being offered on a 'first come, first served' basis, so we would encourage property owners, or tenants, to come forward as soon as possible, as we have a limited pot of money available this year."

For further information, or an application form, telephone Mr Stackhouse on 01282 661685, or email him at ian.stackhouse @pendle.gov.uk