BUSINESS owners in Newton Abbot have been offered a helping hand that will also smarten up the street scene.

Twenty thousands pounds is being made available through the Newton Abbot Shop Improvement Grant Scheme with local authorities going up to halves on the cost of new shop fronts.

The idea came from the town council and has won the support of the district: both have put money into the pot.

All freeholders and lessees with at least five years remaining on their lease can apply for help between now and March.

Town development manager Sally Henley said: ‘Over the years that I have been in post a regular question has been what financial assistance might be available for local businesses?

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