Grants to tackle town's 'unacceptable' buildings
BBCA grant scheme has been launched to tackle town centre buildings left in an "unacceptable" state.
Cumberland Council announced its plan to bring empty units back into use units and improve the look of existing ones on Whitehaven's King Street.
Businesses can apply for up to £15,000 to spend on their property if it is empty, or up to £5,000 to spruce up the shop front if it is in use.
Mark Fryer, leader of the Labour-led council, said King Street was within a conservation area and he hoped the scheme would "improve the street for all".
He said: "It is unacceptable that some property owners have let their properties deteriorate to such an extent that they are now ruining the amenity of the area for other local businesses and town centre visitors."
The grants are funded by Sellafield's Social Impact Investment Fund and more information is available through Cumberland Council.
The authority said it was also taking steps to contact business owners of buildings in a bad state.
"The council [is] reserving the ability to take enforcement action to ensure necessary works are undertaken," a spokesman said.
