£1m aid project wheeled out

Councillor Shoab Akhtar on a scooter owned by Scoots, Suits and Boot

OLDHAM Council has awarded the first grant from a £1 million investment fund designed to attract traders to the town centre’s new independent quarter.

A shop called Scoots, Suits and Boots has just taken a lease on Yorkshire Street and has been rewarded with a building improvement grant worth almost £6,000 to help spruce-up the premises.

The firm, now based at 72 Yorkshire Street, is run by Royton couple Jo and Mick Harwood who have been selling retro and Mod clothing online for the last four years — including brands like Dr Martens, Ben Sherman and Gabicci Vintage.

The building improvement grant will help to contruct a new shop entrance, internal wall, signs, flooring, redecoration, heating and a counter. The council has awarded 75 per cent of the cost of the works.

Scoots, Suits and Boots is part of a growing band of traders relocating to Oldham after the council unveiled the new £1m package.

The fund includes business improvement grants, property management support and training to attract existing and new specialist traders.