Property owners in Coatbridge are being invited to apply for grants under the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) to fund external improvement works.

Following an external inspection of all properties within the CARS boundary, the maximum amount of grant available for maintenance and repairs has been increased.

Owners can apply for a grant for 50% to 90% of the costs of external improvements works such as repairs to stonework, chimneys and gutters up to a maximum of £15,000 per property. Previously, the figure stood at £10,000.

Clyde Valley Housing Association (CVHA) continues to work on the restoration of the ‘B’ listed, Carnegie Library building in Academy Street. Demolition of the old bookstores at the back of the building is complete, old windows and doors have been removed and the stonework cleaned. The building is being redeveloped for affordable rented housing with grant support from the Scottish Government.

Cllr Allan Graham said: “Regeneration of the conservation area is a key part of our Coatbridge Town Centre Action Plan, and we are keen to work with property owners to restore the buildings and preserve the character of the area.

“We now have a clear picture of the work required to the buildings in the conservation areas, so I would encourage owners to get in touch to see what funding might be available to help them carry out repairs and improvements.”