Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 28 March 2021
HINCKLEY and Bosworth Borough Council are set to receive a boost of £101,469 from the Government’s cash pot so that improvements can be made to high streets across the borough when they are able to safely re-open post-lockdown.
The money is coming out of the newly-launched ‘Welcome Back Fund’, which has a grand total of £56 million invested into it – it has been set up to help different Councils across England as they re-open with the lockdown restrictions easing.
The ‘Welcome Back Fund’ helps Councils to boost tourism to their areas, by improving their green spaces and parks, create more outdoor seating, more markets, and food stall pop-ups.
Councils can further the newly-secured cash funding to install new signage to keep town-goers safe as restrictions are lifted, or cleaning-up and removing graffiti for good.
Dr Luke Evans ‘delighted’ for funding
Dr. Luke Evans (CON), Bosworth MP, who represents Hinckley and Bosworth in Parliament, explained that he was ‘delighted’ that the Borough Council would be receiving the funding and that he looks forward to seeing how the money will be spent to help attract people back to high streets post-lockdown.
Dr. Luke Evans MP, said: “I know how difficult it has been for 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 our area will receive £101,469 as part of the Conservative Government’s new Welcome Back Fund, which will help our high streets to reopen safely and successfully this Summer as restrictions lift.
“This will ensure that our high streets have the support they need as we move into recovery, and build back better from the pandemic.
“I can’t wait to get back to visiting our high streets around Hinckley and Bosworth to shop with some of the unique independent traders, and to start enjoying leisure time there once more.”
Communities Secretary comments
Robert Jenrick, Communities Secretary for the UK Government, said: “As we move to the next stage on the roadmap out of lockdown we are all looking forward to being reunited with friends and family outdoors and making a safe and happy return to our favourite shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
“Our Welcome Back Fund gives every city, town and high street support to prepare for a great summer. This funding will help councils and businesses to welcome shoppers, diners, and tourists back safely.
“As soon as the roadmap allows, we need to get behind our local businesses and enjoy all that this country has to offer and that we’ve been missing so much.
“I’m allowing every pub in the country to erect a marquee in their garden for the whole summer as a one-off power to support our locals.”