Those who own historic commercial buildings in Glossop have been urged not to miss out on a restoration grant scheme.

The Glossopdale Townscape Heritage Initiative is funded by High Peak Borough Council in conjunction with Derbyshire County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Its purpose is to help businesses fund repairs to shop fronts as well as aiding the restoration of historical features such as the stonework or the joinery.

Business owners are being warned that all work under the scheme will have to be completed by the end of March 2013 and that they shouldn’t delay making their application for help or they could end up missing out.

Those with traditional buildings who do apply can get grants which mean they could save up to 75% on the costs of specialist repairs. Glossop premises that have been renovated with the aid of the scheme so far include:

- Hollywood Nails who had a traditional shop front reinstated, sash windows replaced, re-pointing completed and paint removed from stonework.

- High Street Dental Clinic who had their shop front reinstated and had cast iron gutters and drain pipes installed.

Councillor Godfrey Claff, executive councillor for regeneration, explained why the scheme is such a vital one for Glossop:

“The preservation and restoration of traditional buildings is not only important for aesthetic reasons, it also makes town centres more attractive to shoppers, visitors and inward investors.

“That’s why we’re urging eligible owners who have yet to benefit from the THI to apply before it’s too late.”

Anyone who is interested in the scheme can call or email Sarah Porru on either 0845 129 7777 or sarah.porru@highpeak.gov.uk.