SMALL retailers and traders got a boost this week when Home Office minister John Denham announced they are to get a share of a £1m cash injection for security measures.

Norris Road shops in Sale and Retail Therapy in Partington are both set to benefit from the improvements with a joint allocation of £14,743.

This is the second year small businesses have benefited from a total of £15m nationally over three years.

Announcing the allocation, Mr Denham said: "Small local shops play a vital role in helping to sustain our local communities. But in some impoverished areas they are closing because shopkeepers cannot afford proper security."

Improvements will include the installation of CCTV, burglar alarms, security lighting, locks, toughened glass, signage, internal mirrors and shutters.