TOWN centres in Taunton Deane have received a boost as they plan recovery from the pandemic - with a £14 MILLION grant from government.

The cash is part of up to £830 million being handed out from the Future High Streets Fund to 72 areas across the country.

It is aimed at helping areas transform their high streets into vibrant hubs for future generations and to protect and create thousands of jobs, the government said.

It is allocated dependent on the production of local plans for town centres, to fund projects such as improvements to transport infrastructure, new homes and the transformation of underused spaces.

Taunton Deane will receive a funding offer of £13,962,981 (subject to submission of a final version of local plans).

MP for Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow, said: “It is really welcome news that Taunton Deane will receive nearly £14 million of Government funding from the Future High Streets Fund.

"I have worked hard locally to help secure this funding and after what has been an incredibly challenging year it will provide a much needed boost to our town centres as we recover from the pandemic.”

Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP, said: “The year ahead will be a big one for the high street as it seeks to recover, adapt and evolve as a result of the pandemic.

"Today’s £830 million investment from the Future High Streets Fund is one of many ways the Government is working to help our much-loved town centres get through this and prosper into the future.

“The role of high street has always evolved. We want to support that change and make sure that they are the beating heart of their local community – with high quality housing and leisure in addition to shops and restaurants.

“This investment will help us build back better and make town centres a more attractive place to live, work and visit.”

The Future High Streets Fund was launched in December 2018 and is part of the Government’s plan to renew and reshape town centres – making them a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “We are supporting our high streets to get through this pandemic through business grants, paying people’s wages and tax deferrals.

“The Future High Streets Fund will help areas bounce back through regeneration projects that level up opportunities and create jobs right across the country.”