VILLAGE shop keepers in Pendle could be in line for grants to help boost trade.

The idea comes in the wake of village shops closing because of competition from supermarkets and stems from the Rural Development Commission and Pendle Council.

Economic development officer Joanne Johnson said: "The village shop provides an important service to many people, especially in rural areas.

"However, due to increased competition, many of these shops have had to close down and this can leave some local people stranded, particularly the elderly and those without transport.

"Village shops are under great pressure and many shopkeepers feel that taking on a village shop is too much of a gamble. The grant scheme will make it a safer bet."

For grant details ring Pendle council on 661682.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.