A £1.1 million lifeline has been set up for Bolton Council to help small businesses across the borough.

The cash has come from the European Community Regional Development Fund and will be split into two major grant schemes.

More than £700,000 has been earmarked for the Support for Enterprise initiative aimed at manufacturing and non-retail firms. Grants will be available for small to medium-sized businesses in the city challenge area at Halliwell and other central areas of town.

The money can be used for re-furbishment of vacant floorspace so that it can be used into productive use and for expansion of premises, security measures and to improve the external appearance of property.

Two other schemes, totalling £400,000 are being set up to help commercial and voluntary organisations in Bolton, Farnworth, Horwich and Westhoughton.

Help is being given to install new shopfronts, for the cladding and rendering of buildings and for structural works.

Cllr Jack Foster, chairman of Bolton's planning and environment committee, said: "It offers the possibility of a very real shot in the arm to businesses in Bolton." Details of the support for enterprise scheme can be obtained from the economic and physical development unit at the town hall on Bolton 522311 ext 6067 and the other schemes on ext 6085.

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