THURROCK Council has been given £155,810 to help get the borough's high streets back in business.

The announcement was made today (Sunday, 24 May) by High Streets Minister Simon Clarke and the cash is meant to help councils support practical measures so businesses can re-open quickly when they are allowed to, staff get back to work and customers return to shops confident it is safe.

Overall the government has announced UK-wide package of help worth £50 million.

It will also support a range of practical safety measures including new signs, street markings and temporary barriers. This will help get businesses get ready for when they can begin trading safely, not only in high streets and town and city centres, but also in other public spaces like beachfronts and promenades.

Councils will also be able to use this money 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.

Mr Clarke said: "High streets are critical to the economic recovery of our towns and cities and this new fund builds on longer-term funds already in place to support their revival and boost their economic fortunes including the Future High Streets and Towns Funds.

"As we begin to slowly return to normality, the re-opening our high streets will be key to kick-starting our economic recovery.

"Levelling up the regions and supporting our high streets has always been central to the mission of this government.

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"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."