Some of Camborne’s longest established businesses have had significant improvements made, thanks to Town Deal funding from Project A-Void Phase 2 delivered by BID Camborne.
Pooleys Meat Pantry, a butcher’s shop in the high street that first opened its doors to customers in 1950, was awarded a grant to replace its front window and door – making the premises more secure and energy efficient.
Mickey’s Hair Design, which has been in business in the town centre for the last 38 years, was funded to install a new wheelchair accessible sink for hair washing, and Lost in Music, run by owner Art Atkins for 28 years, received money to replace the shop frontage.
The grant awarded to Feet Matter, run by foot health professional in chiropody Emma Gérardin, was used to replace the existing wooden single glazed doors and windows with UPVC wheelchair-accessible doors and UPVC trickle vented windows that open.
“We are a team of two, myself who treats the patients and my receptionist,” said Emma. “Our client base consists of mainly elderly residents from within our community as well as diabetics who need constant close supervision with regards to foot care.
“We had no opening windows so, during the pandemic, we had to work with the door open to promote airflow and a curtain to maintain privacy. The frames of our windows and doors were rotten and one of the doors was cracked due to vandalism.
“Having UPVC fitted throughout has been fantastic. Our energy costs have reduced substantially as we were previously having to use two full-sized dehumidifiers and two bar heaters. The option of being able to open windows in hot weather has also made working in masks and aprons much more bearable.
“We’re delighted with what the grant has done for us. It’s made a big difference.”
Capital improvement grants of up to £5000 each are available to all businesses in Camborne’s town centre as part of Project A-Void – one of eleven Camborne Town Deal projects sharing a total of £23.7m in government funding.
“The scheme is all about transforming Camborne’s streetscape to make it a better place to shop and visit and it’s wonderful to see so many businesses taking advantage of the opportunity to improve their premises,” said BID Camborne manager Anna Pascoe.
“Our grants panel meets once a month to consider applications and money is still available.”
For more information, visit the website or email smile@cambornetown.com
