New plans have been revealed to reinvigorate a town's high street after several shop closures.

Malmesbury's High Street was hit by a succession of shop closures in recent months, caused by a decline in footfall and spiralling utility bills.

The town council has now welcomed plans by Wiltshire Council to help bring empty shop units into use by offering grants to start-up entrepreneurs and established small business owners.

Approximately £200,000 has seen set aside to support small business owners who would like to lease or rent a previously vacant commercial property located in 20 Wiltshire towns, including Malmesbury.

The aim of the scheme is to increase footfall in these towns, to create jobs and to boost the local economy.

Among several shop closures on the High Street over the past year are Knees Home and Electrical, The Smoking Dog pub, The Emporium of Loveliness and most recently The Cake Tin.

In May Knees managing director Ian Vidler said the closure of the electrical shop in Malmesbury was because of the store's rapid decline in footfall.

Swindon Advertiser: Knees Home and Electrical Knees Home and Electrical (Image: Camilla Foster)
Malmesbury Town Council is hoping that the grants - which are between £1,000 and £10,000 each - will help the town's high street return to a bustling retail scene.

The deadline to apply for these grants is Thursday, February 15.