REDDITCH is set to fill up its vacant shops after being awarded a £100,000 grant.

The borough council has been awarded the Government money as part of the Portas-Plus Plan to revive ailing high streets and will be working alongside the Redditch Town Centre Partnership, which has proposed a similar plan as part of its bid to become a Portas Pilot.

The money will be used to support new businesses by offering incentives, help with business rates and start-up packages.

Town centre co-ordinator Lyndsey Hadley said: “This is great news. Redditch is a thriving town but the high street is scattered with empty units.

“Attracting new businesses to the town centre will be a boost to the town, the local economy and our residents.”