MORE than £100,000 has been spent on improving town centre shopfronts through a successful scheme.

Two rounds of funding have been held for businesses looking to spruce up the appearance of their premises in Haddington.

The Haddington Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme has seen 30 applications.

So far, 19 grant offers have been issued, with more offers to follow upon receipt of further information or clarification on works from the applicants.

Work has ranged from repairs and decorations to the introduction of new signage.

To date, more than £38,000 of grant support has been awarded to support £68,000 of investment, with local trades and suppliers generally undertaking the work.

The grant is a maximum of 75 per cent of costs up to a £3,000 maximum grant award.

Some businesses have invested more than the 25 per cent match funding requirement.

Councillor John McMillan, who represents Haddington on East Lothian Council, is also the local authority’s spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism.

He welcomed the work that had been carried out and felt it benefited the local economy.

A number of improvement projects have already been completed and more will follow over the coming months.

It is hoped that this will encourage footfall from Haddington residents and visitors to the town, in turn creating a significant impact to support the wider High Street businesses.

Mr McMillan described it as “a great idea” and said: “It is a real start of the year through to the end of the year thing.

“The community council members and council officers worked together and put out the information, inviting people to apply.

“Some of the money was spent before the summer and it is still going on.

“We have seen some shopfronts benefiting.

“It is really positive, particularly at this time of year with Christmas and Shop Local.”