Grants

The Town Council welcomes applications for financial assistance from local organisations that will provide an activity or service to the local community. Please bear in mind that funds are limited and all applications will be considered within the constraints set by the Council's budget. In most circumstances we are unable to provide assistance that would solely benefit an individual or private "for profit" enterprises.

Guidance on our grant awarding criteria can be found in our Grants and Donations Policy.

For more information please contact the Town Clerk.

The Shopfront Grant Scheme is an easy to access small grant scheme. It will pay for half the costs of any works carried out on shopfronts. The application form is simple to fill in. Repainting, minor repairs, signage and pavement works are all covered by the scheme. In fact anything that improves the presentation of the front of the premises can be considered for a grant. Upper windows, planning application costs etc can be included.

Applications can be made at any time. Note that we cannot fund any work which starts before your application has been approved.

The process is simple. You apply, indicating what your project is. If accepted, we agree the extent of the works with you and the colour of any paint. We liaise with HPBC's conservation officer during this process. Once agreed, you carry the work out and submit the receipts and invoices. We check the works have been carried out as agreed, and then you get paid the grant by cheque.

The aim of the project is to try and accelerate the regeneration and improved appearance of Whaley Bridge by providing funds to spur on shop owners and tenants to do works which might not otherwise get done. In doing so, we try to protect and enhance historical architectural detail where possible, and by coming to agreement on paint colours, we try to ensure that the shopfronts complement each other and the town as a whole. The idea is to end up with an attractive town centre which draws customers in and benefits traders and residents alike.

Guidance notes are available to help you understand the aims of the scheme, to guide you through the simple application process and show you how to make a grant application.

If you would like to know more about the scheme or have any queries regarding your application, please contact the Town Clerk.

The commercial centres of Horwich End and Whaley Bridge lie within a conservation area. Within these areas, the appearance of shop fronts and the pavement areas in front of them, have a considerable impact and influence on the character of the town. They are an essential element of the wider streetscape. A shop front designed with respect given to the architecture of the building and character of the surrounding area can add charm and vitality, making it attractive to shoppers and visitors alike.

The shop front facelift scheme aims to improve shop fronts, building facades and the private pavement areas in front of these shops , as a means of supporting the growth of local businesses, improving the local environment and raising the image of the town amongst locals and visitors. Everyone benefits through sensitive design.

The facelift scheme is administered by Whaley4Wards with the support of Whaley Bridge Town Council and the regeneration and economic development group within High Peak Borough Council.

Funding for the scheme comes from the Whaley4Wards annual £8,000 regeneration budget, which is provided in equal part by Whaley Bridge Town Council (£4,000) and High Peak Borough Council(£4,000). W4W allocate a percentage of this budget towards the shopfront scheme each year, and this can be increased if funds allow. Grant applications will be decided on by a subpanel of the Whaley4Wards group.

Grants will be awarded to a maximum of around £1,000, which must be match-funded by the applicant. Grants are payable against materials and labour, but do not cover any VAT element.

W4W works with the High Peak Borough Council's Conservation Officers, and the applicant to agree on a colour scheme and on the detail of works, to ensure that the conservation area is enhanced as an outcome of the works. Our experience so far shows that this can be an extremely effective and mutually beneficial relationship, which can all be done quickly via email or phone. Once works are agreed and completed, a final inspection is carried out to check that works were done as agreed, and then payment is made by cheque against the invoices up to the amount agreed.

Colours must be appropriately chosen from the Little Greene 'Colours of England' range, although there is no compulsion to source the paint from this company, and a very close match is sufficient.