SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury’s has allocated funding of £50,000 to enhance Kelso town centre as part of its commitment to the local community.
The company, which opened its store in Kelso in the autumn, has donated the cash to fund a grant support scheme for repairs and enhancement to the frontages of commercial properties in the town centre, with particular priority to be given to shop fronts for retailers.
Local Sainsbury’s store manager, Sharon Matthews, told us: “We aim for our stores to be at the heart of the communities they serve.
“We try to make a positive difference to the area, so I hope local retailers and town centre businesses take the opportunity to apply for funding.”
Chair of Future Kelso, Councillor Alec Nicol, added: “In these difficult economic times we are grateful for the financial support from Sainsbury’s.
“This Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme, along with the various works programmed as part of the Kelso Townscape Heritage Initiative will greatly improve the visual appearance of the town centre.”
The scheme will be administered by Scottish Borders Council (SBC), with grants up to 80 per cent of eligible costs available.
The minimum grant will be £500, up to a maximum of £3,000 per property. Round one of the grant assessments ended last week. The deadline for round two is August 31, with round three closing on April 12, 2013.