A project to make Shipley beautiful and boost trade is under way in the town centre.

Under a new initiative, shops in the town can apply for a £500 make-over to add a touch of sparkle to the outside of their premises.

It is hoped that the scheme - run by Bradford Council and funded by the European Union - will not only encourage businesses to improve their outside appearances, but will also spur them on to look at ways of improving the insides of their premises.

Town centre manager Bob Parker said: "The idea is to brighten up the town centre.

"Independent businesses can apply for grants for things such as new signs and paint. It is hoped that they will then start to look at ways of improving the insides of their shops and hopefully this will then encourage their neighbours to start doing the same thing."

Under the scheme shops can apply for a 50 per cent grant of up to £500 to assist in improvements. The total amount available is £5,000, so the project will be operated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Eric Hudson, president of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said: "This is an excellent idea. The whole concept is to bring Shipley into the 21st century.

"Although there is not a great deal of money on offer, it's a good start and a way forward.

"It is helping the small independent businesses too, and the more that take part in the scheme the better."

Councillor Tony Miller (Lab, Shipley East) said the scheme was aimed at regenerating Shipley, a thriving market town.

He said: "If we're going to attract people into Shipley then it's important that the shops look appealing and attractive to customers. This joint venture will allow traders to improve their business frontage."

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