A total of 22 projects across Alexandria, Clydebank, and Dumbarton have been completed thanks to the shopfront improvement programme.

Other retailers are now being urged to apply to the council for the financial assistance grant before the September 27 deadline.

The shopfront improvement programme, aimed at helping smaller, independent businesses, is provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

It offers individual grants of up to £10,000, with an enhanced grant of up to £20,000 for properties within the conservation area.

The initiative aims to help existing landlords and tenants improve the quality and appearance of commercial units as well as increase the attractiveness of shop units within the town centre.

Alan Douglas, chief officer of regulatory and regeneration, said: "I would urge any retailers interested in applying to ensure they do so quickly in order to maximise their chance of benefitting from this funding.

"Improvements to shopfronts throughout our main retail areas will bring benefits to all who trade there and lift the whole area."

Businesses are encouraged to contact the council’s regeneration team for assistance before submitting their application.

The shopfronts should respect the character of the street and the area in general, and be in keeping with the overall style and appearance of the building.

An application form can be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/3vxnhbk7.

Special care must be taken when drawing up proposals and undertaking work on heritage-listed buildings.

For more information, email the regeneration team at regeneration@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

All works must be completed before the end of March 2025, regardless of when the application was submitted.