Retail shops and offices in Merton Road, from Buckhold Road to the junction with Replingham Road are now eligible for cash help from the council.

The council's long-running Town Centre Improvement Scheme (TCIS) provides a mix of grants and interest-free loans to help improve and sustain small businesses.

Cash amounts ranging from £1,000 to £15,000 are available and can be used to improve premises, upgrade shop fronts and exteriors and also provide disabled access and toilet facilities.

Up to a third of the overall costs for most improvements can be obtained under the scheme, but 'Green' measures that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions or are environmentally friendly in some other way can qualify for upto 50 per cent assistance.

Since the TCIS was launched in 1994 it has provided support for more than 600 local businesses, ensured higher commercial occupancy rates and made shopping more attractive for local people.

In the last two financial years, 61 local businesses have benefited from the council's support, and this has led to the creation of 138 new jobs. Cash support from the council of just under £600,000 under the TCIS scheme has sparked additional private sector investment of almost £2.4m.

Business units from 169 to 201 Merton Road were previously eligible under the TCIS scheme but this initiative has now been extended to cover small business units between 200-302 Merton Road and 203-321.

The council's regeneration spokesman Cllr James Cousins said: "With the economic climate worsening, the council is keen to do what it can to help support local business and local jobs.

"Since it was created in 1994, this scheme has made a significant contribution to supporting the local economy. Shops have been modernised and smartened up and this has helped them keep existing customers and attract new ones.

"It has also meant that existing jobs have been safeguarded and new ones created for local people. Crucially the funding we have provided through the scheme has then acted as a catalyst for further investment to keep businesses buoyant. For every £1,000 invested under TCIS, the private sector invests around £4,000."

"Although the scheme is mainly aimed at town centres it now includes several important local parades where smaller traders can benefit. In this part of the Merton Road there is potential for further regeneration and improvement and that is something the council is keen to promote. By offering the right kind of support to businesses we can help to improve local shopping facilities for the benefit of the whole community."

Firms interested in finding out more details of the scheme should call John Ruske at the council's economic development office on (020) 8871 7031 or email jruske@wandsworth.gov.uk.