OUTPUT

Signs Express Lancaster has provided signage and financial support to help Morecambe's bid to win a share of the Portas Pilot project fund.

The government-funded Portas Pilot is the idea of retail expert Mary Portas and is aimed at making towns' high streets 'multi-functional and social places'. Morecambe is competing for the funding with a campaign created by SATO which used the strapline 'MoreCanBe Done' – a slogan that now appears on Signs Express's large-format full-colour graphics. These have been installed at various sites across the town to both conceal empty shop windows and to boost community support for the bid.

"This initiative is vital for towns such as Morecambe and we were delighted to offer our assistance," comments Thomas Somers, owner of Signs Express Lancaster. "Unfortunately Morecambe has seen a number of closures, especially retail, during the recession which has lead to over 30 percent of retail space within the town being vacant.

"By adding large full-colour imagery to shop windows backing the campaign we are not only adding a bright and attractive image to the high street but spreading the very important message of the importance this project has to the community."