Some of Fylde’s wonderful independent high street businesses have received a timely makeover as they look to bounce back in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fylde Borough Council has delivered more vital investment through the Additional Restriction Grants (ARG) programme which was set up to help businesses who have faced unprecedent challenges over the past two years.
The ARG programme has been used in a range of ways from helping new start-ups bring vacant high street properties back to life, to supporting existing businesses that were hit hard by enforced lockdowns during the pandemic.
The latest grants have been issued as part of the ARG Shop Front Improvement Scheme which allowed businesses to apply for a grant which could be put towards replacing signage, doors, windows, facias and fund general repairs and painting.
One business to successfully apply for a grant was Healthrooms.co whose owner Alison Hocking received £3,000 to transform the outside of her premises on St Andrews Road South, St Annes.
Alison, who has run her businesses for more than 20 years, said: “The grant is really important. The shop frontage was looking tired and the signage had been damaged in storms.
“The last few years have been really hard, as they have for so many businesses. I was considering selling the business when the lockdowns hit. However, this grant has given me the support needed to not only improve the shop frontage but help breathe a new lease of life into my business.”
HealthRooms.co is now offering a range of service including Bio Resonance, Reflexology, Homoeopathy, IPL Hair Removal, Photo Refreshing and Reflexology.
Alison is also offering to rent room space at the premises to self-employed Holistic Therapists with their own client base.
Cllr Karen Buckley, the Leader of Fylde Council, said: “I am very proud that we have been able to support so many businesses that were badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People like Alison, who is passionate about her business, are the lifeblood of our high streets and town centres. I am delighted we have been able to support her, like we have so many other businesses, through a range of grants.
“It was great to meet Alison and see what difference this grant means for her business. The transformation of her shop frontage is so impressive, and I wish her every success in not only bouncing back but seeing her business flourish.”
Other businesses to receive ARG Shop Front Improvement grants were:
- The Village Barbers, Freckleton, £2,250
- Hair Collective, Freckleton, £2,388
- Tavernors, Lytham, £2,566
- Wards Carpets, St Annes, £1,860
- St Tanz, St Annes, £2,321
- Lusso Hair and Beauty, St Annes, £395
- 1 – 11 Park Road, Lytham, £3,000
Read all about how Fylde Borough Council has supported local businesses through the pandemic: www.fylde.gov.uk
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