Preston shopkeepers are being urged to spruce up their shopfronts.

A consultation has begun on how the frontage of shops in Preston city centre can be improved.

The 15-page document outlines the types of shopfronts the city council wants to see in Preston – and the kind it doesn’t.

Cheap, bright and colourful plastic frontages are being urged to be swapped out for more stylish signs.

It points to French Connection, Bruccianis and Ham and Jam cafe as examples of good shop and building fronts.

Running until Monday 7 August the survey gives the public, and shopkeepers, the chance to have their say.

A city council spokeswoman said: “The purpose of the Draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is to provide design guidance relating to the repair, maintenance or installation of shopfronts in Preston.

“A coordinated approach to shop front design across Preston will enhance the appearance of the built environment and help to provide an effective marketing tool for promoting the historic parts of the City to visitors and investors alike.”

The guidance would give the city council more sway when deciding on planning applications relating to changes of use or when new signs are to be put up by business owners.

The draft guidance and survey can be found on the city council website.

What do you think of the proposals? Let us know in the comments below