Published: 01/08/2017
A WHITEHAVEN town centre pub has become the first successful applicant to a transformational grants scheme.
The Vine, in Market Place, will continue its renovation after receiving £5,000 from Copeland Council’s £1 million Pride of Place regeneration scheme. The grant will pay for the front of the pub to be painted and for improvements to its windows.
Owner Aileen Pearson said she was “delighted” to be awarded the grant. She said: “It’s a big job to improve the frontage of the pub, and this money will allow me to make huge improvements.”
The Pride of Place scheme, launched last week, encourages business owners in Whitehaven, Millom, Egremont and Cleator Moor to enhance the external appearance of their buildings.
Grants are available for up to £5,000 for improvements to windows and frames, doorways, external decoration and signage. It is a 50 per cent contribution that means that businesses are required to invest in their premises to match-fund the grant.
Aileen added: “I think the council has launched a brilliant scheme for local businesses. By making improvements to our appearance, it will entice more people and more businesses to town.”
Copeland Council had 59 enquiries in the first week following the scheme’s launch.
Mayor Mike Starkie said: “I’m delighted that the response has been so overwhelmingly positive to this project.
“I welcome The Vine – a long-established Whitehaven business – being the first grant recipient and I know this will be the first of many.
“We’re backing this scheme with £500,000 of council money to attract the same investment from the private sector.
“We all have enormous pride in our borough, and this funding will help us and the community continue to create a place where people are proud to live, work and visit. This Council is delighted to be at the forefront of helping to make this happen.”
£375k of the fund has been allocated to improving the town centres. £75k has been allocated to villages in Copeland and £50k for street improvements.
For more information contact Copeland Council’s Economic Development Department by email at shopfront@copeland.gov.uk or by calling 01946 598433.
