National News
Empty Shops need Brightening Up
Monday 18 May 2009
Up to £3m will be made available from the Department for Communities and Local Government to convert empty shops into social enterprises, learning centres and local art displays. Grants up to £1,000 will be given to Councils and community groups who find creative re-uses for vacant shops. Planning rules will be relaxed to allow changes of use, i.e. a disused clothes shop could become an art gallery. Other suggestions are for the NHS to take over premises for a "Stop Smoking Service" shop.
Empty shops can be eyesores, but they needn't be. Lib Dems suggest applying for a grant to display large, blown up photographs of, for example, Havant Borough's 's wonderful trees and open spaces and the buildings that have won awards locally.
We need cheering up during this downturn in the economy -- what would you like to see as a window display? Let us know - email susan.stocker@havant-libdems.org or ann.buckley@havant-libdems.org and we will pass on your suggestions to Havant Borough Council.