Local councillors in Timperley are pleased that shops in the village can now apply for money to improve their businesses. But they say the area covered by the grant is too small, and many shops are still missing out.
The Trafford Town Centre Shop Improvement Grant Scheme gives up to £10,000 to local shops to help pay for upgrades. Shops must match the grant with their own money. The money can be used for things like making shops easier to access, updating the front of the shop, or making buildings more energy efficient.
The scheme was already available in Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Urmston, and Sale Moor. It now also includes Timperley and Hale.
Councillor Julian Newgrosh said he was happy to see Timperley added to the scheme. But he and Councillor Will Frass are concerned that the grant only covers a small part of the village — mostly around the main crossroads.
“The map doesn’t even include our local chippy,” said Councillor Newgrosh.
Councillor Frass said many small, local shops just outside the centre also need support. He said the grant should focus on helping independent businesses that need the most help.
Both councillors have asked Trafford Council to look at the rules again and think about including more of Timperley.
Even with these concerns, the councillors have been spreading the word about the grant. Some business owners in the eligible area have already said they are interested in applying.
The scheme has £220,000 available from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. So far, it has helped 41 businesses across Trafford. It has created 28 full-time jobs, improved more than 2,200 square metres of shop space, and helped cut carbon emissions.
One example is The Northern Light Cinema in Sale, which used the grant to improve its building.
Businesses that want to apply must do so by 30 June 2025 or before the money runs out.
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