FRONT Street in Acomb could soon be benefiting from business rates relief if a council proposal gets the green light this week.

Labour Westfield councillor Steve Burton is set to put forward a motion at tomorrow’s full council meeting calling for the extension of business rates relief for those bringing empty shops back into use.

The area has a particularly high rate of empty shops, and the initiative could help fight the damage to local shops caused by internet shopping and the fragile national economy.

Cllr Burton said he hopes the initiative will build on recent improvements like the introduction of new benches.