High Peak gets £81,000 Government funding to boost post lockdown economy

The new Welcome Back Fund will see £56m being spent nationally in a bid to encourage people back to their high streets and town centres as we come out lockdown with the High Peak set to receive a share of £81,980.

Robert Largan MP for High Peak said: “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.

“I am delighted 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 our high streets have the support they need as we move into recovery, and build back better from the pandemic.”

The money is part of a recovery package announced by the government to attract people back to high streets. Other measures include extending pavement licences for a further 12 months so venues can continue to serve diners al fresco, 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 making it easier for hospitality businesses to operate as takeaways and host markets and stalls.

The money is being given to High Peak Borough Council which will now decide how and where to spend it.

A spokesperson for the council said: “High Peak Borough Council welcomes the recent announcement we will receive £81,980 to help our High Streets re-open following an extremely difficult year.

"We know how hard it’s been for everyone throughout High Peak and realise how important it is to ensure safety continues for shoppers whilst supporting businesses and towns to re-open.

"Our regeneration team are currently working through the guidance from Government and will provide an update as soon as more information is available.’”

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