CHIPPENHAM MP Michelle Donelan has called on Wiltshire Council to back local high street retailers and businesses as they emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

She has written Wiltshire Council leader Philip Whitehead to ask about Welcome Back funding for four of west Wiltshire’s key high streets and town centres.

The MP said: “I think we must do everything possible to back local business and support our cafes, pubs, shops and salons as they look to build out of this pandemic and bounce back better than ever.

“With Government funding, we can improve outdoor spaces whilst also promoting our fantastic high streets in Melksham, Chippenham, Corsham and Bradford on Avon.

“After I pushed for extra support, Wiltshire received one of the highest funding allocations in the country and I want to see it put to proper use in supporting the heart of our towns and communities.”

She was speaking after the Government announced that Wiltshire is set to receive one of the highest allocations - £449,858 - under the Welcome Back Fund for restarting high streets.

The MP said: “As you know, in my own constituency we have four market towns and four fantastic high streets which would hugely benefit from this investment as we look to fully reopen town centres in the coming weeks and months.

“Pre-pandemic, Melksham, Corsham, Chippenham and Bradford on Avon would have already enjoyed increasing footfall and increasing custom with the brighter spring days and I think we now have a real opportunity to support them.

“More and more businesses are reopening as we speak and after May 17, when indoor hospitality can fully restart, I believe we have a duty to do everything we can to make a success of it and get behind local businesses.

“The pandemic has especially impacted small and family businesses and if we can improve outdoor spaces and create fairer parking measures whilst also providing greater flexibility for pubs and restaurants when it comes to outdoor seating, I believe we should. These places are at the hub and heart of local communities and I want them to remain so.

“Residents and constituents have contacted me directly about getting support for our high streets and I would be very grateful if these four towns could be urgently considered as part of this £449,858 fund. Together with the added measures around parking and outdoor spaces, I believe the right investment can really help our town centres and support businesses bounce back from the pandemic.”