Oakham, Uppingham and other Rutland high streets have received a £35,628 cash boost to 'Welcome Back' businesses and shoppers.

Overall, the Secretary of State Robert Jenrick MP and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has awarded £56M nationally.

The new nationwide fund will help councils 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.

Part of this funding will also support coastal areas in the same way as they prepare for a great summer, with funding going to all coastal resorts across England to safely welcome holiday makers in the coming months and have a successful summer.

The funding can also be used by councils to:

Boost the look and feel of their high streets by investing in street planting, parks, green spaces and seating areas to make high streets as beautiful and welcoming as possible.

Run publicity campaigns and prepare to hold events like street markets and festivals to support local businesses.

Install signage and floor markings to encourage social distancing and safety.

Improve high streets and town centres by planting flowers or removing graffiti.

Welcoming the support, Rutland MP Alicia Kearns said: "Our high streets have had a tough year – the toughest any have faced. As we look to the future, we can be confident that the Conservative Government has not forgotten our high streets here in Rutland.

"This important fund – £35,628 in Rutland alone – will give business owners the funds they need to return to the heart of our communities.

"Rutland is known throughout the country as having particularly beautiful market towns, and this fund can only serve to make them even better to locals and tourists alike."