‘Fantastic’ Response to Portas Pilots Offer

The Government has received 371 bids from towns across the UK wanting to become one of 12 pilot areas for a Mary Portas scheme

The successful bids will receive a share of a £1.2 million grant to help save their high streets and gain backing from the Local Government Minister and Mary Portas herself.

Grant Schapps, Minister for Local Government , said, "I am delighted by the enthusiastic and energetic response from towns up and down the country, as they have used Mary Portas' review as a real catalyst for change to secure the future of their high streets.

"High streets have faced stiff challenges from internet shopping and out-of-town centres, yet there is still a clear desire from communities to see them survive. We have received a fantastic 371 bids to become one of the first 12 Portas pilots.

"That's why, as part of our Portas Plus response to Mary's review, I've launched a second round of this competition to find a further 12 pilot areas. I now look forward to watching the YouTube videos and seeing how communities have come together for myself," he added.

Mary Portas commented, “The significant work, creative energy and coming together of communities across the country that is evident in films they have made has confirmed my belief that the British public really care about their high streets. I promise to give as much back. We will work to recreate and redefine the British high street and town centre, making them places local communities are proud of.”

The results of the competition will be announced in May.