Businesses in Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to 'do their bit' to help clean-up the city centre.
The Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) launched 'Operation Sparkle' last year to improve the look of Hanley, attract shoppers and increase footfall.
Now the BID is planning to continue its efforts into 2022 and is urging local businesses to get involved.
To encourage participation, the organisation is offering to help fund improvements to business' shop fronts with the launch of the new Business Visual Improvement Fund.
Business owners can make an application for funding for everything from new or improved shop signage and painting to hanging baskets and the replacement of glass windows.
The BID will also provide equipment where required to ensure businesses can easily carry out tasks.
BID manager Richard Buxton said: "After the success of Operation Sparkle in 2021, we look forward again to improving our city centre throughout 2022.
"Working with our key partners, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and The Potteries Centre, we have a programme of actions that will give our visitors and businesses alike a city centre to be proud of."
The BID has identified new areas of improvement for 2022 including the creation of a new peace garden; planters and benches in Parliament Square; groundwork repairs on Piccadilly to replace damaged paving and the installation of new bins, fences and gates around the city centre.
Julie Davies, county business crime partnership manager at Partnerships Against Business Crime in Staffordshire (PABCIS) and lead director for place management, is championing Operation Sparkle.
She said: "We all need to play our part in maintaining or improving our city centre's standard. A clean, healthy environment is good for our city centre and our local economy. It plays an important role in improving our wellbeing and it helps our businesses to be more successful."
Julie added: "It is important that all parties understand the significance of doing their bit and working together towards one common goal. Together we can make a huge difference – but we do need everyone's support to make this a success."
Stoke-on-Trent BID, the city council and The Potteries Centre are hosting a major clean up weekend next month.
'The Big Spring Clean' will take place over May 21 and 22 and the BID is appealing to all local businesses, residents and the community to take part.
Tasks across the weekend include graffiti removal, litter picking and general cleaning of target areas throughout the city centre.
For more information about Operation Sparkle, The Business Visual Improvement Fund and how to volunteer during 'The Big Spring Clean' visit the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID website.
