REDDITCH is set to receive a £75k funding boost to help the town centre reopen safely and successfully after lockdown.

A total of £56 million will be invested through the new Welcome Back Fund to help councils across England to boost tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas, markets and food stall pop-ups.

It’s been confirmed Redditch Borough Council will receive £75,088 from this fund.

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean said: “I know how difficult it has been for local businesses over the last year, and I am determined to secure them all the help they need to recover.

“That’s why I am delighted that Redditch will receive £75,088 as part of the Government’s new Welcome Back Fund, which will help our town centre to reopen safely and successfully this Summer as restrictions lift.

“This funding will help ensure our town centre has the support it needs as we move into recovery and build back better from the pandemic.”

Councillor Matt Dormer, leader of Redditch Borough Council, added: “It’s great to see more Government funding coming our way. We will be using this funding to make improvements to outdoor spaces in the town centre, enabling Redditch to build back better.”

Councils could 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, and install new signage to help keep people safe as restrictions are lifted.