Carlisle and Maryport to benefit from £1b high street fund

Carlisle and Maryport are among 100 towns and cities across England which will see a share of £1 billion to 'reinvent' their high streets.

The funding, welcomed by local politicians, could be used to improve transport and access into town and city centres, transform empty units into new homes or workplaces, and invest in vital infrastructure.

With the rise of online shopping, high streets in the UK have seen a decline in footfall.

• One in 10 shops empty as vacancy rate hits highest level in four years

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

The scheme, which is a key part of the Government's plan to reshape town centres, was launched in December 2018.

Related:

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• Shoppers turn away from high streets as June footfall hits seven-year low

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