A local convenience store is among 16 businesses and community groups to receive a share of more than £130,000 in grants from South Cambridgeshire District Council to help revitalise local high streets.
Barton Village Stores and Post Office has been awarded £11,169 to improve the exterior of its Conkers Café, including a new seating area and signage, through the council's Improving the High Street grants scheme.
The funding programme is supporting projects ranging from shopfront upgrades to accessibility improvements and community space enhancements, with the aim of encouraging residents to shop locally, attracting more businesses and boosting the appearance of high streets across the district.
Other retail businesses receiving funding include Boswell and Son Ltd in Sawston, which secured £20,000 for shopfront improvements at 67-69 High Street, while Boswells Sawston Ltd (Sawston Mica Hardware) received £15,000 to upgrade its outdoor paving area.
Creative Grounds Café in Willingham was awarded just over £1,000 for frontage improvements, new signage and additional greenery, while Bamboo Sky in Bourn secured £5,000 for frontage enhancements including outdoor seating, landscaping and planters. The Flower Boutique in Linton received £3,375 for exterior repairs, repainting, improved lighting and floral displays, and Brewista in Papworth Everard was awarded £4,099 to refresh its outdoor seating area.
Councillor Peter McDonald, lead cabinet member for economic development at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "Our high streets are at the heart of our communities, and this funding is about helping them thrive.
"Through this scheme, we're supporting 20 businesses to invest in their premises, improve accessibility and create welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike. By backing local enterprise in this way, we're strengthening our village and town centres, supporting jobs and helping ensure South Cambridgeshire remains a great place to live, work and do business."
The remaining grants were awarded to parish councils, a social club, a pub, a dental practice and a sports club for projects including public realm improvements, accessibility works and community facilities.
The Improving the High Street scheme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority acting as the lead authority and South Cambridgeshire District Council distributing the funding locally.