Grants of up to £5,000 are now up for grabs to help businesses in Norwood brighten up their shop fronts.

The Norwood Shop Front Improvement Scheme is aimed at making the area more attractive for businesses and has been initiated by Lambeth Council.

Emete Odife, Norwood area projects officer, who is also a published writer, said businesses should apply for grants by mid-February.

She said: "The scheme is aimed at commercial business and local enterprise to improve the ambience of the area as well as the residents' shopping experience.

"Any business around Knights Hill, Thurlow Park, Gipsy Hill, Norwood Road and Norwood High Street is welcome to apply.

"The council will also pay 50 per cent of their planning permission costs."

She said the first round of grants would be decided in March and all the money had to be allocated by December.

Khadiru Madhi, interim Norwood town centre manager, said: "The shop front scheme will improve the area's viability by helping to attract new businesses."

The scheme, which forms part of the Crystal Palace Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) Scheme, is an initiative of the Crystal Palace Partnership.

Businesses, which will be responsible for getting estimates and finding contractors to carry out any planned work, can get a list from the town centre office, however, the Crystal Palace Partnership does not accept responsibility for the standard or suitability of any particular firm.

Councillor Ashley Lumsden, executive member for finance, said: "If you think your shop front can benefit from improvement and your business is located in West Norwood, then this grant programme is for you."

Other improvements to the area include making Norwood shopping centre safer for shop owners by installing a community radio link, which is scheduled to be up and running by April.

There are also plans to improve general signage in the area by the end of the financial year.

To find out more about any of the schemes please contact Emete Odife at the town centre office on 020 7926 7990.

January 30, 2003 10:30