To support the reopening of retail shops, Cumbrian high streets are to receive a share of £329,190 as part of a Government fund.

A total of £56 million will be invested nationally 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 locals and tourists more, safer options to reunite with friends and relatives this summer.

Allerdale Borough Council is receiving £186,416, Barrow Borough Council will receive £158,859, Carlisle City Council £95,875, Eden District Council £46,899, and South Lakeland District Council will receive £192,936 to help attract shoppers and tourists while high streets reopen for Summer.

Councils will be investing wisely and can use the Government funding to hold street markets, funfairs, events and festivals, boost the aesthetics, look and feel of their town high streets, making improvements where applicable and installing new signage to help tourists and locals be as safe and well behaved to the community as restrictions are lifted.