TRADERS in Nelson hoping to upgrade their properties are set to get a boost from a cash increase to a grant scheme.

In the last financial year seven businesses have benefitted from a share of more than £8,000 of grant money from Pendle Council's Nelson Committee to upgrade their premises.

Money was available to support improvement schemes which improved the appearance of the town, bring empty shops back into use or create additional jobs.

The committee has been asked to contribute £10,000 to a similar scheme to run this year, but with an increase in the amount of individual grant available.

Traders can apply for a grant to pay 50 per cent of the cost of improvements, but last year the largest grant available for property owners was £1,500.

Officers have suggested that the limit should be increased to £3,000 for this year to assist in larger-scale projects.