SHOPS in Neilston are set to benefit from a spruce-up as part of wider regeneration work being planned by East Renfrewshire Council.

The Shop Front Improvement Scheme opened to eligible retailers in the village’s Main Street at the end of last year, offering grants of up to £10,000 per unit to support the costs of external upgrades.

These include new signage and painting of shop fronts to help elevate the ground floor appearance of commercial premises.

It is hoped that, if enough businesses take part, there will be a positive visual impact on the area.

The council has already approved a number of applications covering a variety of improvements, including signage, repairs to the fabric of buildings, new doors and canopies, with work due to get underway in the coming months.

Phase two of the scheme, funded through the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme, will be launched shortly.

It follows on from recently-completed regeneration work in Neilston that include the demolition of an unused toilet block and the installation of new memorial benches to commemorate the war dead.

Council leader Tony Buchanan said: “It is always great to see regeneration and investment in our towns and villages but, as a councillor for Neilston, I am especially pleased to see this scheme progress.

"It is vital that we all support local businesses and I am sure the improvements proposed by shop owners will attract more locals and visitors to stop by.

"I look forward to seeing the project develop and would encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”

For more information about the fund, send an email to business@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.