TRADERS who move into retail premises empty for more than a year could benefit from a council’s plan for a 50 per cent business rate relief scheme.

Eastbourne Borough Council has agreed a discount will be available to business owners for the first 18 months after moving in, and will be available until March 31, 2016.

The move is aimed at encouraging the reoccupation of empty shops following tough economic conditions.

Properties that can benefit from the relief are those previously used for retail, have been empty for at least 12 months and can be used for any retail, food sales or public service except betting shops, pay day loan shops or pawn brokers.

Another scheme which allows retailers business rates relief of up to £1,000 per year was also agreed.

This applies to shops with a rateable value of less than £50,000 in each of the years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016.

Councillor Margaret Bannister said: “We know how hard smaller businesses work to make Eastbourne the vibrant shopping and visitor destination it is, so want to give them extra support to prosper.

“The schemes will have no cost to the council and are funded through government grants.”