Fifty towns in England will be given a share of £1bn to revitalise their struggling high streets.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the announcement means more than 100 high streets will be supported by the High Streets Fund.

The money could be used for schemes such as improving transport links or converting empty shops into homes or offices.

:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

The news comes as high street retailers fight to stay in business, with mass store closures, job losses and profit warnings.


Mr Johnson said: "Our high streets are right at the heart of our communities, and I will do everything I can to make sure they remain vibrant places where people want to go, meet and spend their money.

"But with our town centres facing challenges, we're today expanding the High Streets Fund to support over 100 high streets to regenerate - backed by £1bn of vital investment.

"This scheme is going to re-energise and transform even more of our high streets - helping them to attract new businesses, boost local growth, and create new infrastructure and jobs."

Image: Harlow in Essex is also on the list of areas that can use some of the fund

The local authorities and the sites set to benefit are: