TEN independent shops and cafes in West Oxfordshire will be given business support in a new scheme.

West Oxfordshire District Council is launching the pilot project to give small retailers in town centres the chance to get expert guidance. It includes an appraisal of their business and help with identifying how and where improvements could be made.

Selected retailers will be asked to pay £50 each towards the £800 support package, with the council funding the rest of the cost.

All small town centre retailers in West Oxfordshire are invited to register their interest in the scheme by February 7.

For more information see westoxon.gov.uk/pilot or call 01993 861482.