Mansfield MP Ben Bradley hails fresh cash boost to improve town centres

The district has been awarded £97,255 from the Government’s Welcome Back Fund to spend on attracting visitors back into town centres in a safe way as Britain slowly eases back to normal post-lockdown.

Money can be spent on themed-markets and festivals, boosting seating areas as well as installing new signage to entice people to the area’s high streets.

Mansfield is also among 70 councils to benefit from additional hands-on support through the new High Streets Taskforce – a group of experts who will visit the area to provide advice on adapting to changing consumer demands and to ensure the town can prosper in future years.

Mr Bradley said: “Securing funding for Mansfield and Warsop’s high streets is one of my top priorities, and I’ve raised this countless times with ministers.

"It’s fantastic to know that my efforts are paying off and we’ve been given £97,255 to support businesses after an incredibly tough year.

“I am determined to continue supporting businesses and ensuring they have all the help they need to recover.

“This initiative shows the Government’s determination to Build Back Better, and I look forward to seeing how the money will be spent to help attract people back post-lockdown.”

The cash boost comes just weeks after it was announced Mansfield and Warsop is to get £12m funding from the Towns Fund to help breathe new life into the district.

Meanwhile, mayor Andy Abrahams has welcomed news of the latest windfall to come Mansfield’s way.

He said: “The funding from the Welcome Back Fund will support our ongoing efforts to help local businesses to operate safely and successfully as restrictions ease, and allow us to provide support to deal with the longer term impact of Covid-19 on our high streets.

“It will also help us to welcome visitors back to Mansfield town centre with the reassurance that they can shop and socialise safely here.

“We are pleased that this is a more flexible fund which includes the ability to improve the look and feel of our high streets, as well as supporting events to boost local businesses, and will work with partners, including Mansfield BID, to decide how best to use it."

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