Darlington Borough Council have been allocated funding to make improvements to local high streets across Darlington to help them safely and successfully reopen after lockdown thanks to Government funding.
This is part of a £56 million investment 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 – giving people more, safer options to reunite with friends and relatives this Summer.
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 or less graffiti, and install new signage to help keep people safe as restrictions are lifted.
Peter Gibson, Member of Parliament for Darlington, 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 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.”
Heather Scott, Leader of Darlington Borough Council said:
“It is critical for high streets that everything is done to help them to reopen.
“We have plans in place already and this funding will allow us to do much more to attract people back into the town and allow us to arrange exciting events to support our traders.”
Commenting, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick 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.”