INVEST TO IMPRESS: Businesses in the village centres of Old Cwmbran and Pontnewydd can now apply for a property improvement grant to transform the outside of their premises.

The scheme offers grants to commercial and non-residential properties within the defined boundary of the village centres.

The scheme, which is being piloted until March 2008, can provide discretionary grants up to £2,500 or 50 percent of the total costs.

Eligible works can include redecoration, repair and improvement to facades, re-pointing and painting, the repair of historical architectural details (windows, doors, shop fronts, signs), replacement of inappropriate signs, improvements to boundary treatment and external spaces including car parking.

Community councillor Evelyn Winfield, chairman of the Cwmbran Regenera-tion Partnership Operation-al Group, said: "We hope the grant scheme will encourage private sector investment in commercial premises to enhance the physical environment of the village centres and help support the local economy."

To find out more, call Torfaen Council's urban regeneration team, on 01633 648072 or email Heidi. Lerue@torfaen.gov.uk The scheme is being funded by the Cwmbran Regeneration Partnership, which is made up of Torfaen Council, and the Community Councils for Cwmbran, and Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon.