TENS of thousands of pounds will be pumped into two of Maidstone's declining outposts to help reverse their economic downfall. English Heritage - the guardians of the country's historical sites - gave Maidstone £195,000 this week to help stop the rot in Lower Stone Street and Union Street.

The money will be used to revamp properties in both areas. It is hoped renewed pride in the areas will help to spur on their economic regeneration. Property owners in the two roads will be able to apply to Maidstone Borough Council for grant aid to do up their ailing buildings over the next three years.

Maidstone council will match fund the award made by English Heritage, taking the total pot to £390,000. The council will start taking applications for grant aid this year. Priority will be given to Grade II listed buildings that can be brought back into business use or turned into accommodation for hospital staff.

The two areas qualified for the handout from English Heritage under its Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme. Both streets were sufficiently old enough and had enough historical interest - Lower Stone Street was an early 18th century fashionable suburb.