Community improvement scheme may be extended

A 250,000 boost is on the cards for a recession-hit community under moves to extend a heritage scheme which has brought big improvements.

The aim of the project has been to support the maintenance and upkeep of historic buildings in Selby town centre, through grants for work such as shop front improvements, new roofing or windows and other essential maintenance.

The Selby Heritage Partnership Scheme is a partnership between Selby Council and English Heritage, H-H-Heritage (East), Selby Town Council, the Selby Chamber of Commerce and the town’s Civic Society.

A number of businesses along Micklegate and New Street have benefited from Heritage Scheme funding, including the former Co-op which is now a furniture shop, the former Rose and Crown pub and number 15 New Street.

Since the scheme was launched in July 2008, it has been targeted on New Street, Ousegate, Market Cross, Micklegate and Finkle Street. Representatives from English Heritage visited the town recently and were extremely pleased with the progress.

An extension of the current scheme was discussed and English Heritage confirmed that it would welcome an application for an extension for the same financial commitment, but may widen the geographic coverage.

The Civic Society will work alongside council officers to prepare an application to extend the grant programme for a further two years up to March 2013, as well as widening the geographical area.

Council bosses have underlined the projects completed over the last two years add up to a significant improvement for the area and had helped the economic recovery of the community.

Businesses can apply for grants for up to half the cost of the work, up to 10,000, for any buildings in an area bordered by Micklegate, Finkle Street, The Crescent, New Street and Ousegate.

Project chairman Cliff Lunn added: “If all the grant offers made so far are claimed, and combined with the private investment from the owner, this could result in up to a quarter of a million pounds of investment in Selby’s town centre buildings.”

For more information visit www.selby.gov.uk or contacting Andy McMillan on 01757 292092 or email [email protected].