Exciting £100,000 plans to breathe new life into Runcorn (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Traders and residents team up to invigorate Runcorn

6:40pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

EXCITING plans to breathe new life into Runcorn old town have been launched.

Halton has been awarded £100,000 from the High Street Renovation Fund to regenerate empty properties.

A group of 18 representatives of traders, residents, community groups and councillors have set up a town team to decide how to allocate the funds.

Wesley Rourke, Halton Council’s operational director for economy, enterprise and property, said: “I’m absolutely delighted by the attitude and approach of the town team members.

“They are so positive and have come up with some really good ideas. We are working together to shape and influence how the money is spent.

“It is an exciting opportunity.”

Pop-up shops have been created through partnerships with The Brindley and Style Factory fashion workshops.

Arts and crafts groups have used empty premises for short spells.

Mr Rourke added: “We already have some specialist shops. We want to make sure they continue to thrive and think of ways to help more businesses to re-locate to the area.”

Grants are available to contribute 50 per cent towards updating shop fronts.

Four businesses have already taken up this offer.

Improved signage has been installed between Runcorn railway station and the town centre to attract more shoppers.

The town team is publishing its minutes on the council website, halton.gov.uk, under ‘environment and planning’ to encourage feedback from the local community.

Clr Norman Plumpton Walsh, town team chairman, said: “Everyone has been very positive with lots of ideas coming up.

“We have some schemes already underway andwe are getting a good response.

“It’s great that the commercial property renewal grant attracted so much interest that we have now extended it.”

Traders wishing to apply for a grant should e-mail Runcorn.townteam@halton.gov.uk or call 0303 333 4300 before March 29.