PLANS have been announced to reinvigorate Malmesbury's High Street after shops closed due to a decline in footfall and spiralling utility bills. 
 
Malmesbury Town Council has welcomed Wiltshire Council's plans to help bring empty shop units back into use by offering grants to start up entrepreneurs and established small business owners. 
 
Wiltshire Council has announced that approximately £200,000 has been set aside to support small business owners who would like to lease or rent a previously vacant commercial property located in 20 Wiltshire towns, including Malmesbury.
 
The aim of the scheme is to increase footfall in these towns, to create jobs and to boost the local economy.
 
This scheme follows the announcement of several shop closures in Malmesbury's High Street over the last year such as Knees Home and Electrical, The Smoking Dog pub, The Emporium of Loveliness and most recently The Cake Tin.
 
In May Knees managing director Ian Vidler said the closure of the electrical shop in Malmesbury was because of the store's rapid decline in footfall.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Knees Home and Electrical Knees Home and Electrical (Image: Camilla Foster)
 He said this was mainly due to the changing retail landscape where many customers are now opting to buy products online instead of going into physical stores.
 
Meanwhile, the former owner of The Cake Tin, Victoria Parry, said trying to keep up with spiralling electricity bills and increasing running costs over the last few months has made her business unviable.
 
Speaking to the Standard about the closure last week, Ms Parry said: "Electricity costs have been ridiculous, we only have two ovens and have been paying the best part of £1,000 on electric every month which is unsustainable."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The Cake Tin, MalmesburyThe Cake Tin, Malmesbury (Image: Newsquest)
 
She added that this is a prominent issue that many independent retailers in Malmesbury face. 
 
Malmesbury Town Council is hoping that the grants - which are between £1,000 and £10,000 each - will help the town's high street return to a bustling retail scene. 
 
Applications can be made by business owners or directors of registered independent businesses, charities or social enterprises, or a sole traders or self-employed individuals, who are bringing new shop into the high street or are relocating a current business within the town centre.
 
A signed lease for the premises is also required from applicants.
 
The deadline to apply for these grants is Thursday, February 15.
 
Malmesbury mayor, and the town's Wiltshire councillor, Gavin Grant has urged eligible business owners to apply. 
 
Cllr Grant said: "Malmesbury has a strong and diverse high street with great independent traders and fewer empty shops than elsewhere in Wiltshire. 
 
"But business is tough for retail and all help is welcome.
 
"A vibrant town centre brings in visitors and shoppers, which benefits all traders.
 
“As a town council we have sought out advice and best practices on what drives up visitor numbers. 
 
"It's clear making some areas look better, better signage, more attractive festivals and events, better promotion, communication and collaboration, with good sharing of business insight and information are all vital.
 
“2024 will be a great year to visit Malmesbury as we will be hosting the Athelstan 1100 celebrations, Malmesbury Folk & Roots Music Festival, the High Street Art Trail and hopefully much more. 
 
“Making sure our new town centre retailers take advantage of this new scheme is part of this plan."

To find out more about these grants or to view an application form visit tinyurl.com/mvy8rutj or email Vibrant.Wiltshire@wiltshire.gov.uk