New shop fronts and footpaths have been installed in Southall town centre as part of Ealing Council’s regeneration programme.

The businesses in Southall, which have benefited from the Shop Front Improvement project include Bridal Emporium, Century Emporium, Punjab Textiles, RPS Jewellers, Euroasaia Travel and London Footwear.

New shop fronts will also be installed at a further 19 businesses in the town centre before March 2011.

The council has also provided new footpaths and carried out an intensive deep clean of the existing pavements to make the area more attractive to shoppers and visitors.

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council, said: "It’s very important in these tough times that we give the local community as much support as we can."

"This funding has been put to great use; the shop fronts have really given Southall town centre a much-needed facelift and I know the owners are delighted with the end product and the support we have given them."

"I’m pleased that we have also provided new footpaths and deep-cleaned some of the existing pavements, which will make the town centre a nicer place for people to visit."

Mr Ammit Rudki, who is the owner of Century Emporium in Southall Broadway, said: "The new shop front gives our business a classy West End look and we've had a lot of positive feedback from customers who have stopped and mentioned how great our shop looks. The project will assist in having a positive effect on the rest of the broadway and area."

Independent businesses that applied for council funding to replace their shop front under the Shop Front Improvement project has paid 90% of the costs paid by Ealing Council. The business owners paid the remaining 10%. Ealing Council also covered the costs of architects, planning, advertising and building control fees.

The Shop Front Improvement project has been available to shops in Acton, Ealing, West Ealing, Hanwell and Southall Town Centres and is due to be completed in March 2011. Due to the massive response there is currently a waiting list for each of the town centres.

Traders who would like to register on the waiting list or want information about how to improve their shop front, should contact Antoinette Dodd on 020 8825 5377 or shopfrontimprovements@ealing.gov.uk