West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed a £56 million fund which will help councils prepare to re-open high streets as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The cash is part of a wider package of measures to revitalise high streets and level up communities – including steps to make it easier for eateries to serve customers outdoors and set up market stalls this Summer.

Malvern Hills District Council will get £70,000 and Wychavon District Council will receive £115,000 to encourage people back onto the high street.

A total of £56 million will be invested through the new Welcome Back Fund to help councils across England boost tourism, improve green spaces and provide more outdoor seating areas, markets and food stall pop-ups – giving people more, safer options to reunite with friends and relatives.

Harriett said: “People have been amazing in following the rules and staying at home but soon the conditions will allow us to return to the things we love doing.

“Last summer, I was out and about in the constituency helping promote many of our businesses who re-opened their doors and I plan to do the same as conditions allow.

“It is good to see councils getting access to Government support to start planning for re-opening and I look forward to hearing their plans shortly.”