Funding granted to council to support high street recovery post-lockdown

Rochdale Borough Council has been given almost £200,000 to help the high street to recover following the nationwide lockdown.

A total of £2.5m has been given to the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities, to help them introduce a range of safety measures in a move to get people back to work and customers back to the shops.

The funding is part of a £50m reopening high streets safely fund from the government and which comes from the European Regional Development Fund.

Rochdale has been allocated £197,050 - the second lowest amount in the region after Bury’s £169,235. Manchester has received £488,628 - the most in the region.

The money has been allocated to councils with the aim of spending it to boost high streets and town centres as the lockdown eases.

Councils are also able to use the cash 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.

 

 

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.

“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.”

Alice Richardson, Local Democracy Reporter

Additional reporting: Rochdale Online