Government announces measures to prepare seaside resorts for summer

Measures to support a safe and successful reopening of seaside resorts and high streets and ahead of summer have been announced by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.

A £56 million Welcome Back Fund will help boost the look and feel of high streets and seaside towns.  Funding will help councils prepare for the safe return of shoppers and tourists, including employing extra staff to keep festivals and events COVID-secure.

Part of this funding will be allocated specifically to support coastal areas, with funding going to all coastal resorts across England to safely welcome holiday makers in the coming months.

The Fund will help councils boost tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas, markets and food stall pop-ups. 

Pubs, restaurants and listed buildings will be given more flexibility to use their land to help more people meet up and enjoy themselves, including erecting marquees in pub gardens for the whole summer.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:  “As soon as the roadmap allows, we need to get behind our local businesses and enjoy all that this country has to offer and that we’ve been missing so much.”