George Eustice, Member of Parliament for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, has today welcomed the news that Cornwall's high streets will receive a major funding boost to help get people back to work and customers back to the shops. 

The Government have confirmed that the Council is to receive £509,639 from the £50million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund which will help businesses across the constituency introduce a range of safety measures. In order to prepare for the reopening of non-essential retail when the scientific advice allows, this fund will help Councils introduce the safety measures needed to protect workers and customers. 

In addition to these protections, a number of other practical safety measures including new signs, street markings and temporary barriers will also be put in place to assist businesses in their preparations to trade safely. These measures will extend from local town centres to other public spaces like beachfronts and promenades. 

Councils will also be able to use this money to develop local marketing campaigns to explain the changes to the public and reassure them that their high streets and other commercial areas are safe.

George commented, "This new funding is welcome and will help support businesses to reopen safely as well as encouraging people that it is safe to go back to the shops. I understand that many have concerns about the Coronavirus, however these practical measures will help to protect customers and traders and I hope that the Council will workday quickly and effectively to ensure businesses have the support that they require."

It is the government’s ambition to reopen non-essential retail in a phased way from 1 June, subject to the scientific advice. The government will set out further detail on how and when these can reopen safely shortly.