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Ipswich shop owners invited to apply for £5,000 improvement grants

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Independent businesses in Ipswich's shopping parades can now apply for up to £5,000 in grant funding to improve their shopfronts and accessibility as part of a scheme to enhance the appearance of neighbourhood shopping areas.

Why it matters: The Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme, funded through the Towns Fund deal for Ipswich, could help revitalise local shopping parades and make them more attractive to residents and visitors.

Shopping parade on Woodbridge Road East, Ipswich
Woodbridge Road East shopping parade in IpswichIpswich Borough Council

Key details:

  • Grants of up to £5,000 are available per business

  • 27 shopping parades across Ipswich are eligible

  • Improvements can include new windows, doors, signage, lighting, and accessibility upgrades

  • Applications will be reviewed monthly

  • The closing date is 7 October 2024

Who's eligible: Independent owners and leaseholders with at least five years left on their lease within the designated shopping parades. National retailers, chains with more than three locations, national charities, betting shops and pawnbrokers are not eligible.

What they're saying: Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Deputy Leader of Ipswich Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy and Transformation, said: "The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for independent business owners to make improvements to their business, with the aim of encouraging more of our residents and visitors to visit our shopping parades and explore what they have to offer."

How to apply: Interested businesses can apply online at www.ipswich.gov.uk/shopfrontgrantscheme

The bottom line: This initiative could provide a much-needed boost to Ipswich's local shopping areas, improving their appearance and accessibility while supporting independent businesses.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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