A FURTHER grant allocation of almost a quarter of a million pounds will continue the transformation of Prescot town centre.

Prescot Townscape Heritage Partnership Board approved the latest two grants to repair and restore historic properties numbered 5-7 and 21-23 Eccleston Street .

Already around £300,000 in grants has been approved to renovate four other important buildings situated at 11 Market Place, 29-31 Eccleston Street, 13-15 Atherton Street and 40 High Street.

The latest grants will enable the creation of three new dwellings on upper floors, plus the restoration of three shop fronts and general repair and restoration.

Numbers 5-7 Eccleston Street is late Georgian dating from around 1830. Originally the White Horse pub it was a stopping point for daily coaches to and from Liverpool. The building has been empty for around 15 years and was last used as a furniture shop.

Numbers 21-23 Eccleston Street has a late Georgian front, but the back of the building is timber framed dating from the early 1600s – one of the earliest surviving buildings in Prescot town centre.

Existing businesses in the building are Flossy’s sandwich bar and Promise salon which will remain in the building during and after the works.Prescot’s £3.2 million THI is financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Knowsley Council, Knowsley Housing Trust, Empty Homes Fund and other partners.The Board, which meets bi-monthly, comprises of community, heritage, business and heritage representatives.

Councillor Dave Lonergan said: “Prescot is a town steeped in history and through the THI, we are helping to preserve and protect some of the most historic buildings. Through this project, we are not only reusing empty spaces, but we are also providing modern homes and better choice for those who wish to live in Prescot. More grant applications will be reviewed in future Board meetings.”

Work on the buildings is expected to start later in the year, following full grant applications being made.

The Townscape Heritage Initiative includes the repair and restoration of buildings, plus educational work and community events.

A training course in December resulted in 14 people being awarded NVQ Level 3 awards in the repair and maintenance of historic buildings. At the end of January a laser scanning experience day was held for final-year building surveying students from Liverpool John Moores University on a THI project at 13-15 Atherton Street.

Further courses will be scheduled throughout the year, providing recognised qualifications and opportunities to progress a career in conservation construction and restoration.