A SCHEME to give Wantage’s shops a makeover has been launched.

Traders are being offered grants of up to £5,000 towards the cost of refurbishing their business facades after shoppers complained about stores looking unkempt.

Each business will be able to apply for a share of a £40,000 fund, which has been awarded by the South East England Development Agency to Wantage Rejuvenated, part of the Chamber of Commerce.

Last year the number of empty shops in the town was highlighted and a recent survey of shoppers expressed concern about the appearance of some shops.

Tenants and landlords must match the amount of money they apply for.

Wantage Rejuvenated chairman Linda Hatter, who owns Top Hatters Gifts, in Mill Street, said: “We’ve got a beautiful town here but it could be better.

“We want to encourage more people to visit and there are some shopfronts that could do with a lick of paint.

“It’s not just the occupied shops, but if a landlord refurbishes their empty shop, it could encourage someone to take it over.

“The last empty shop in Market Place has just been filled and now we want to attract others into the surrounding streets.”

Sabrina Hyde, manager of Roly’s Barbers, in Mill Street, said she would be applying for cash. Miss Hyde said: “I think it’s a fabulous idea, because it will bring more people into the town. If a shop looks nicer, you’re more inclined to go in.

“Our barbers could do with a bit of a lick of paint. It won’t be anything too different, because it’s a listed building, but maybe a new colour.”

Mike Brown, of Rowes Newsagent, in Wallingford Street, said: “It would have been nice to have had this a few months ago, when we had our shop redone, but it’s a good idea for the town.”

Traders interested in applying for grants should email economic.development@ whitehorsedc.gov.uk.