Business and home owners located in the centre of both towns can apply for funding to help pay for improvements to look of their property. 

The Facelift Scheme provides up to £900 for each property, with the property owner match-funding this with 10% of the grant total. Therefore a £500 grant requires match funding of £50.  

The money can go towards things like materials such as paint and any labour costs, the repair or replacement of damaged items like drain pipes or guttering, and any external lighting. The grant is not eligible for some work and it is best to consult with the council before making an application. More details on the application process here.

The scheme has already proved popular in Maryport and Wigton in recent years. 

Mark Jenkinson, deputy leader and executive member responsible for economic growth, said: "This is a great scheme which has worked really well in other towns and shows how a small investment can make a huge difference. I’d encourage everyone eligible to take advantage of this money which we are providing." 

Barry Chambers, Mayor of Aspatria, said: “Aspatria Town Council, and of course residents and businesses within the town centre boundary greatly welcome this important facelift scheme in order to both uphold and enhance the image of the town.

“Aspatria Town Council is strongly committed to Cumbria in Bloom and improving the aesthetic appearance within our town centre and making business and properties more attractive that will hopefully attract new business and residents to the town.  

“We encourage all business and residents that fall within the boundary to apply to the scheme.”     

Mark Orchard, Mayor of Silloth, said:  "This is a scheme which will be welcomed by both home and business owners of Silloth and one we fully support. 

“Silloth’s main focus as far as visitors are concerned is obviously the Green and has had a lot of money invested, both from internal and external sources, so for this facelift scheme to be open to the residents and business owners of the town is a great boost to everyone and will be a huge benefit to all.   

“This scheme has been used in other areas of Allerdale and will help the proud Sillothians maintain the town’s attractions.  We will ensure everyone has the relevant information and we are happy to advise as best we can, to ensure the scheme is put to great use by all that are eligible." 

The applicant is expected to investigate whether they would require planning permission or other consent. The application can come from tenants, though they must have the approval of the landowner.     

For more information and to get an application form contact the council’s Town Centre Manager, Toni Magean, at toni.magean@allerdale.gov.uk. Hard copies of forms are available in both the towns’ Local Links offices. 

The deadline for applications to be made to the council is December 31, 2019.