Businesses could soon share in £150,000 of grants to spruce up their shopfronts.

The property improvement grant scheme is part of a regeneration programme for Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike to boost their vitality and draw in more shoppers.

Councillors at tomorrow's Spen Valley Area Committee are expected to approve the scheme to begin in February.

The manager of both towns Keith Joplin welcomed the scheme.

"I think that the success in the future of both towns shouldn't just rest at the door of Council initiatives," he said.

"There has got to be a willingness from the businesses in the area to show a commitment themselves to contribute towards the towns' success."

He added: "Businesses can't sit back and wait for somebody else to fund things. We need those people committed to building success for a long term future."

The property grant scheme has been widely supported at the consultation stage with £100,000 allocated to Heckmondwike and £50,000 to Cleckheaton.

"Heckmondwike needs more help to improve the appearance of the town so that we can encourage more interest in the future," said Mr Joplin.

Grants would be available to cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of eligible work to a maximum of £5,000 per property.

This would include the repair or restoration of shopfronts, replacing shop signage, repairing or replacing guttering, downpipes, windows, doors and roofs as well as pointing, stone cleaning and stonework repair.

Not every application will be accepted and emphasis will be placed on the overall condition of the building, the environmental benefits of the proposals and the availability of funds. Applications would need to include three written quotations, detailed drawings, a schedule and details of any necessary planning permission.

The grants are part of extensive improvements to regenerate both towns.

In Cleckheaton the programme would see a revamp of the market place. A small town square would be created at the Albion Street precinct and new paving and lighting will link one section to the next. In Heckmondwike the plans include improving the open market and possibly relocating it; new street lighting and features on Blanket Hall Street and Market Place.