'It has never been a better time to be in the area': Wolverhampton MP urges traders to bid for new £400,000 grant scheme

Sureena Brackenridge, MP for Wolverhampton North East, said there had never been a better time to live or work in the area, and urged business to make the most of the opportunities being presented to them.

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Wolverhampton Council is inviting businesses to apply for a share of the new £400,000 Vibrant High Streets programme which will be launched next week.

Mrs Brackenridge said the fund offered a vital lifeline for high streets in the area, and encouraged independent retailers to apply. 

It will be funded through the Government's £1.5 million Pride in Place initiative.

Mrs Brackenridge said Wednesfield was already about to benefit from a £3.3 million improvement scheme, and Low Hill would receive £20 million over the next 10 years through separate schemes.

"Whether it is for internal or external improvements, we have fought hard for this money, and need to make sure as much of it is invested in the projects which matter to us,” she said.

Mrs Brackenridge said she believed bidding would be competitive, and encouraged businesses in her constituency to apply as soon as possible.

"It has never been a better time to be in the area, and I am keen to build on this success," she said.

"I urge shops in Bushbury, Fallings Park, Oxley, Low Hill,  Heath Town and Wednesfield to apply.”

Applications for grants of up to £5,000 open on March 6, with money available for improvements to shop fronts, interior and external refurbishments, and digital, marketing and security projects.

Businesses must demonstrate match funding of at least 20 per cent of the total cost of their project. The scheme will close once the funds have been allocated.

For more information email business.development@wolverhampton.gov.uk or telephone 01902 555572 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.