A grant to improve accessibility to shops and properties in Nairn High Street has been increased.

The Shop Improvement Scheme will now offer a grant of up to 75% of eligible costs (up to a maximum grant of £3,750) if the application is specific to improving access to premises.

The Nairn councillors agreed to increase the grant.

It has been funded from Sainsbury developer contributions of £250,000 which also saw CCTV being installed and a street lighting scheme agreed.  The £67,600 Shop Front Scheme opened in 2012 and will run until the funding is fully allocated. 

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In addition to improving access, which is a current focus of fund allocation, the funding can be applied for to cover a range of improvements including external paintwork, new signage and re-instatement of historical, original or traditional architectural features. The scheme has seen works carried out to a variety of properties along the High Street and full details of what can be applied for is available in the guidance notes. More than half of the budget has now been allocated.

Councillor Tom Heggie, Area Chair said: "The Nairn Councillors are delighted to support an increased grant to improve accessibility to our High Street premises. Other initiatives such as Streets Ahead are currently being looked at to enhance the streetscape environment for all. We also look forward to working with the new Nairn BID."

Provost Laurie Fraser, himself a shopkeeper on Nairn High Street, added: "High Streets are important to the life blood of any town and Nairn still has a vibrant High Street that we want to make sure is accessible to everyone."

(CM/MH)