£1m a year to be invested in Wiltshire's high streets until 2025
Communities will be able to bid for funding
A new investment programme of £1m a year will begin in the coming months to encourage people back to Wiltshire’s town centres and high streets.
The Wiltshire Towns Programme was confirmed at yesterday's Cabinet meeting (Tuesday 21 June).
The town and parish councils of all 18 Wiltshire towns, along with Salisbury, plus Pewsey, Tisbury and Downton will all be able to bid to local authority for allocated funding that can be spent on plans to improve their high streets and attract more visitors to their communities.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
“The past few years have been particularly difficult for high streets throughout Wiltshire, and that’s why we’re investing £1m a year until 2025 to support our towns and businesses.
“This funding will help to attract more visitors to the high street and boost local businesses.
“But we recognise that each high street and town centre in Wiltshire is unique, and that’s why we’re working closely with the town and parish councils in these areas to deliver what their communities need. This is a locally-led campaign that will provide real benefits for the businesses in each of the 22 areas."
Along with the individual funding for town centres Wiltshire Council says it will also be launching other schemes to boost high streets including a grant to drive footfall back to high streets with events and activities, an app highlighting events taking place in local communities and an app to help visitors find out more about the history of our towns.
Mr Clewer added:
“Retail accounts for more than 20,000 jobs in Wiltshire, and this doesn’t include the many services, hospitality and leisure facilities that are located on or rely on the high street. So we want to do all we can to support this vital sector and continue to do all we can to give our high streets the tools they need to thrive and attract more visitors and shoppers.”