TOWN centres and businesses in Malvern Hills have benefited from £140,000 of funding to help them recover from the pandemic.
The Reopening High Streets Safely fund and the Welcome Back Fund has been made available to businesses and town centres during the pandemic.
Malvern Hills District Council were given a share of the £56million European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which gave safety advice and helped encourage visitors back to the area.
The funding ended on March 31 and followed the £50million Reopening High Street Safely Fund that was allocated to councils in 2020.
The funds helped to support events and activities including the Great Malvern Gin Festival, several Christmas events and a Halloween outdoor cinema in Tenbury.
They also enabled local businesses to get support and advice, as well as help to add hand sanitiser stations to the area.
New benches, plants and flags were also bought with the funds.
Malvern Hills District Councils’ portfolio holder for tourism and economic development, Coun Daniel Walton, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on our high streets and local businesses, and these Government funds were vital to help bring our town centres back to life and communities together.
“It’s great to see how successful our various campaigns, activities, and support for businesses have been.”
