An extra £40,000 has been secured to help local businesses fight against crime and vandalism.

Bolsover District Council’s Community Safety Partnership has received the funding from the Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership to enable the Town Centre Shop Security scheme to continue until the end of March 2008.

Over the last two years, the scheme has secured £100,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to support small shops and businesses located within the town centres through measures such as upgrading locks, bars on windows, security doors, alarms, CCTV cameras, improved lighting, toughened glass, security fencing and as a last resort security shutters.

The purpose of the grant is to support local small shops and businesses in maintaining local employment through preventing incidents of crime and damage to their premises.

The funding is open to any small businesses that have been victims of crime or damage and that lie within the town centres. Successful candidates will be chosen on a discretionary first come first served basis.

Bolsover District Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Brian Murray-Carr said, “Those areas where businesses have adopted these security measures have commented on a notable reduction in crime. Small businesses, in particular, have welcomed our help as it offers to protect and promote the business sector and improve the local economy as a whole.”

The grant support available will be up to 90 per cent of costs of the security measures subject to a maximum of £3,000. Businesses that are interested will be required to have an initial visit and assessment carried out by the Derbyshire Business Against Crime Team.

Further Information is available from Bolsover District Council on 01246 242589 or email enquiries@bolsover.gov.uk