OWNERS of properties in Middlewich town centre are being offered the chance to grab a slice of £1.25 million to improve and repair their buildings.

Middlewich Town Wharf is one of the latest projects to benefit from a Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme grant and the money is there to be claimed by any others who want to follow suit.

British Waterways aims to refurbish the site so the buildings can be put to good use.

Town Clerk Jonathan Williams said: "It is a very welcome development. It has been a derelict site for too long and from our point of view it is a gateway to the town. As a council we want to see it brought into use and to flourish."

John Brown, a HERS committee member said the grants are a result of a partnership between the town, borough and county councils along with English Heritage.

He said: "A pot of money is available to the tune of £1.25 million and it is a question of people applying for the money, otherwise it just will not be spent."

The grants are available to pay for 40 per cent of the cost of building work.

If you would like to apply, application forms are available from Victoria Building, in Lewin Street, Middlewich.