FUNDS to restore a rundown shopfront in a major Oswestry road are being sought from the town council's heritage scheme.

The application is for finance from the owner of 19-21 Beatrice Street to carry out 'sympathetic repair and reinstatement work' – with the owners having already applied for planning permission to upgrade windows.

Oswestry Town Council clerk Arren Roberts has recommended, ahead of an emergency development and planning meeting on Wednesday, that councillors pay nearly £6,000 money for the work, around a third of the overall price.

Border Counties Advertizer: The shop in its former 1960s glory. The shop in its former 1960s glory.

He said: "An application has been made by the owner of 19-21 Beatrice Street to carry out sympathetic repair and reinstatement work to bring the shop front back to its former glory."

He continued: "The ability to support the reinstatement of the historical shop front to the property of 19-21 Beatrice Street is one that should be considered.

"Bringing this shopfront back will enhance the street, especially as it is surrounded by other high standard shopfronts.

"Members are asked to consider the award of £5,763."

The current building is empty, and was once home to the Great Wall takeaway shop, but in his report, Mr Roberts has highlighted its past as a fish and chip shop and it's future as a beauty salon.

He said: "The property has been empty and neglected but new owners want to bring the building back into use as a beauty and therapy salon.

"Initially the owners wished to replace the shop front with a new timber framed shop which would be similar to those around them.

"The project officer worked closely with the owners to highlight the uniqueness of the building and how smaller sympathetic works would provide them with a unique shop front that stands out.

"The owner was also advised that, as within a Conservation Area, planning would not support that.

"The owner revised designs as a result of this advice. The design will now reinstate what was there in the 1960s image and provide a major uplift for the property."

The town council's £5,763 contribution will be matched by an equal amount by Historic England, meaning the overall amount will be £11,526 towards the £19,210.

Including in this breakdown is £9,460 to replace the windows plus more.

The meeting is at the Guildhall at 7pm.