Sefton Council is being awarded nearly a quarter of a million pounds to help get local high streets safely back into business.
The local authority was awarded the cash boost yesterday by High Streets Minister Simon Clarke.
It was followed by the news tonight that car showrooms and outdoor markets will be allowed to reopen next Monday (June 1), with non-essential shops urged to get ready to welcome back customers on Friday, June 15.
In order to support firms getting ready to reopen, Sefton Council is being given £244,167 through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
The initiative aims to help councils introduce a range of safety measures in a move to kick-start local economies, get people back to work and encourage customers back to the shops.
It will also support a range of practical safety measures including new signs, street markings and temporary barriers. This will help get businesses get ready for when they can begin trading safely, not only in high streets and town and city centres, but also in other public spaces like beachfronts and promenades.
Councils will also be able to use this money to develop local marketing campaigns to explain the changes to the public and reassure them that their high streets and other commercial areas are safe.
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High streets are critical to the economic recovery of our towns and cities and this new fund builds on longer-term funds already in place to support their revival and boost their economic fortunes including the Future High Streets and Towns Funds.
High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP said: “As we begin to slowly return to normality, the re-opening our high streets will be key to kick-starting our economic recovery.
“Levelling up the regions and supporting our high streets has always been central to the mission of this government.
“Many businesses have already introduced creative ways of trading such as contactless collection or taking orders by instant messaging and shows that they are ready for the challenges ahead.
“That’s why we are providing an extra £50 million for councils to support a range of safety measures that will help get these businesses back on track and ensure that people can enjoy their time visiting their local high street safely again.”
The money will be allocated to councils on a per capita basis and will be ready to spend from 1 June 2020. Further information can be found in the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund guidance.
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