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.”