Improvements can be made to local high streets across High Peak to help them safely and successfully open after lockdown thanks to Government funding. 

A total of £56 million will be invested through the new Welcome Back Fund to help councils across England boost tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas, markets and food stall pop-ups. This will give people more, safer options to reunite with friends and relatives this Summer.

Local MP Robert Largan has welcomed the announcement that High Peak is getting £81,980, helping to get people back to the high streets post-lockdown.

Councils can use the funding to hold street markets and festivals, boost the look and feel of their high streets, with more seating areas and street planting, and install new signage to help keep people safe as restrictions are lifted.

This is part of a package announced by the Government to attract people back to high streets safely this Summer, including:

•    Making it easier for hospitality businesses to operate as takeaways and host markets and stalls.
•    Enabling businesses like pubs and restaurants to use their land more flexibly, for example by setting up a marquee or creating new outside space, for the whole summer, so they can serve more customers and recover from the effects of the pandemic.
•    Extending pavement licenses for another 12 months, so venues can continue serving customers ‘al fresco’ for longer without red tape. 

The Government has provided billions of investment through the £3.6 billion Towns Fund and £1 billion Future High Streets Fund to regenerate town centres and spruce up high streets. It has also supported high street businesses throughout the pandemic with targeted tax cuts, business rates relief and grants as part of an economic package worth £407 billion this year and next.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“I know how difficult it has been for High Peak businesses on our high streets over the last year, and I am determined to secure them all the help they need to recover.

“That is why I am delighted that the High Peak will receive £81,980 as part of the Government’s new Welcome Back Fund, which will help our high streets to reopen safely and successfully this Summer as restrictions are lifted.

“This will ensure that our high streets have the support they need as we move into recovery, and build back better from the pandemic.”