Last updated at 07:29, Friday, 05 February 2010

BUSINESSES on Main Street, Cockermouth, have lodged plans for flood repair work.

Three businesses have applied to replace shop fronts, while others need permissions to continue with refurbishments.

Julie’s Sandwich Shop and Strolling 4 Shoes have both applied for new shop fronts that reflect the town’s Georgian heritage.

Wishes card shop wants to replace its timber floor with a concrete one, Annabelles wants to continue with structural works and the National Trust wants to repair flood damaged walls, repair unstable ones, install security railings and and make changes to the reception area at Wordsworth House.

Mills newsagents also applied, before Christmas, for a new shop front, which was backed by the town council.

The Georgian-style designs for the shop fronts show support for Cockermouth and District Civic Trust which wants shops to look more traditional.

However, the new fronts have to follow strict guidelines because most buildings are either listed or in a conservation area.

Darren Ward, architectural advisor for the civic trust, said: “We have about 15 shops who have expressed an interest in redesigning their shop fronts including those who have already submitted planning applications.

“I think some of the shops have realised that the opportunity is there to improve their shop fronts to a high standard, which will attract more people and so increase their economic viability.

“People are thinking long term and are seeing the opportunity to make changes for the better.

“The civic trust is pleased with how things are developing and we hope the majority of the shops will have put in applications for their shop fronts within the next month.”

First published at 19:23, Thursday, 04 February 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk