EXTRA money has been made available from the Fenland Renaissance scheme to help repair and restore listed buildings in the district.

The total amount on offer this financial year is �80,000.

Grants are aimed specifically at structural repairs or restoration of any listed building, not for alteration, adaptation, change of use or new extensions, although those can be undertaken at the same time, provided the necessary consents are obtained.

Work that could qualify for grants includes reinstating traditional roofing materials, repairing original windows and timber repairs.

Fenland District Council would offer 50 per cent of eligible costs; applicants would need to provide match-funding. There is no upper limit, within reason. FDC will treat each application on its merits.

Grants are also available to repair, repaint or replace traditional timber or modern shopfronts. Traditional ones would have to be done in a traditional style with timber and modern ones in a modern style with either timber or aluminium. New shopfronts are likely to need planning permission.

For more details, call Martyn Kendall, FDC’s Conservation Officer, on 01354 654321 or e-mail mkendall@fenland.gov.uk