Gravesham, Shepway, Swale and Medway to benefit from Christmas cash
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by Jo
Sword
More than £200,000 is being handed to high streets in four parts
of Kent to help spruce them up in time for Christmas.
Gravesham, Medway, Shepway and Swale councils are getting
£52,632 each to turn empty shops into nativity scenes or a
showcases for local artists. However, some in Medway are sceptical,
given the money will have to be divided between five major
towns.
The Government is handing out a total of £2.6 million to 50 high
streets across the country as part of communities secretary John
Denham’s Real Help Now plan to support families and businesses
through the downturn.
Mr Denham has already handed out £3m to local authorities this
year to help high streets suffering in the recession. It received
some criticism after Thanet got a share of just over £50,000,
leading some people, including Thanet North MP Roger Gale, to
suggest it was paltry effort.
John Denham said: "We know that the downturn has really hurt
some English high streets especially where there was already high
deprivation. But, the real help we are giving now is making a
difference in keeping town centres vibrant.”
South East Regional Minister and Chatham and Aylesford MP
Jonathan Shaw said: "Empty shops are unattractive magnets for
vandalism which can drag down otherwise vibrant town
centres.
"This funding will support councils to bring the properties back
to life and in so doing help keep high streets lively, for the
benefit of the whole community.”
Friday, December 04 2009
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