High streets in MK to receive almost £360,000 investment

Milton Keynes Council is investing almost £360,000 among the city's high streets to encourage shoppers back safely after the pandemic.

Working with local business associations and parish councils, the £240,000 Welcome Back Fund from the government as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), will be shared among six MK areas to help improve the appearance and attractiveness of local high streets.

Newport Pagnell, Olney, Stony Stratford, Wolverton and Greenleys, Bletchley and Fenny Stratford are among the areas that will benefit. Funding will also be going to the My Milton Keynes Business Improvement District to invest in Central Milton Keynes.

The second part of the funding is from the council's own economic recovery plan. The £120,000 will also be spread across six high streets. Parish councils and business associations will be able to use the money to host local shopping events and promote campaigns to attract shoppers.

The Council is also working with other areas to bring improvements and will be making further announcements soon.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Cllr Robin Bradburn said: "I'm really proud of our efforts to support our high streets during these tough times. The Welcome Back Fund and our Economic Recovery Plan are just a couple of ways in which we're helping deliver a fair and balanced recovery from the pandemic."

Follow the link to hear from Cllr Robin Bradburn, Newport Pagnell Town Council and Stony Stratford Business Association about how the money will be spent - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCVMUgFESMo.

This story is replicated from a Milton Keynes Council press release which can be found here: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/pressreleases/2021/oct/high-streets-in-mk-to-receive-almost-360-000-investment