West Dunbartonshire Council has announced the expansion of a scheme to upgrade town centres across the region.

Following a successful pilot programme in Alexandria, the shopfront improvement scheme – which is aimed at smaller, independent businesses – will now be rolled out to Clydebank before being introduced in Dumbarton later this year.

In Alexandria, 13 businesses have successfully applied for the funding which is provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It provides individual grants of up to a maximum of £10,000 towards shopfront improvement works. This aims to help existing landlords and tenants improve the quality and appearance of commercial units as well as increase the attractiveness of shop units within the town centre.

The scheme will be open until March 2025 however it could close early if funds are fully allocated before that time.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "Attractive shopfronts make town centres more welcoming places for people to shop, visit for leisure and enjoy.

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"The quality and appearance of buildings in the town centre have a considerable impact on the overall attractiveness of the area. The grant aims to improve the appearance of the town centre and make it more attractive for shoppers and visitors at any time of the day.

"Expanding the scheme will be welcome news for traders who I would encourage to find out more and apply."

Councillor Lawrence O'Neill, Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "It is great news that this scheme is being expanded. The impact is already visible in Alexandria and this will certainly help give Clydebank a welcome boost and Dumbarton later in the year."

Assistance will be provided to applicants by the Council's regeneration team who are happy for businesses to make direct contact with the about their plans prior to submitting their application.

The grant will only fund eligible works with projects such as the installation of some types of external roller shutters and signage not supported.

The shopfronts should respect the character of the street and the area in general and be in keeping with the overall style and appearance of the building. Where a building is heritage listed, special care will have to be taken when drawing up proposals and undertaking the work.

The application form can be downloaded from http://www.west-dunbarton/business/grant-and-loan/ and more information is available by emailing the regeneration team at [email protected]

Any application will be subject to the relevant consents and approval.