Historic shopping area to get funding boost

Funds from a £700,000 pot are set to be spent on revitalising part of a town centre in Derbyshire that dates back to the late 12th Century.

Chesterfield Borough Council said the money would be used to enhance the Shambles area and create a new grant scheme for businesses and landlords.

The authority said the funding, which is part of the government's £5 billion Pride in Place programme, would bring the area back to be a key "visitor destination".

Council leader Tricia Gilby, said: "This project will ensure that the town centre remains an attractive place to visit and provides support to help tackle one of the issues that we know matters to our community."

The scheme aims to revitalise the area's appearance, safeguarding its historic character and improving accessibility. New signage, planting and public art are planned.

Most of the cash will go towards a grant scheme for businesses and landlords to help fill empty shops and provide a "consistent design approach" across the area.

Councillors formally approved the funding at a recent meeting.

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