A number of empty shops have been given a fresh look in a bid to boost the shopping experience in Clacton town centre.

The windows of the former Burtons men’s clothing shop and former P.G. Oxley funeral directors, in Station Road, along with QD in Rosemary Road, have all been given a revamp thanks to a project led by the Clacton Town Board and supported by Tendring District Council (TDC).

The empty shops have seen their windows wrapped in bright designs, featuring Clacton’s beach, the seafront gardens and beach huts, to improve the look of the town centre and encourage footfall.

George Kieffer, the independent chairman of the board, said: “We want Clacton to be a vibrant and thriving seaside town.

“While the board will be looking at long-term plans to benefit the town, we have also set out proposals for a set of projects to smarten up the town that can happen in the short term – for which £250,000 of Government funding is already in place.

“Year one plans include wrapping for empty shops, shop front grants, and cleaning and graffiti removal as part of a town blitz.

“I’m delighted to see works get underway with the shop wrapping and I’m sure residents and shoppers will appreciate the overhaul and I hope the other owners of empty premises will respond positively to our proposals.”

Clacton Town Board was set up as part of the Long Term Plan for Towns funding criteria to bring together community leaders, local businesses, the community and voluntary sector, education and health services, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, Essex County Council and Tendring District Council.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of the Council said: “We want people to be able to take pride in Clacton and to attract visitors and encourage them to stay longer, while working with our partners to improve quality of life for our residents.

“The council takes its community leadership role seriously and will continue to play its part, in partnership with the Clacton Town Board and local businesses, to ensure Clacton town centre remains vibrant.”

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Tendring District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “While we would like to see shops open, it is no secret that high streets across the country have been struggling in recent years - and we want to ensure that shops that are closed do not detract from the shopping experience.

“We have been working closely with the Clacton Town Board to address the issue of empty shops and the range of shops in the town centre, as well as trying to boost the number of shoppers in the town and make improvements to the public realm to create a more inviting and pleasant place to visit.

“I’m pleased that the work was carried out by a Tendring-based company, Esign Visual Communications.”

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