First 12 Portas Pilots Announced

The first 12 English towns to receive £100,000 in a bid to regenerate their high streets have been named

Over 370 towns bid for the public money, with the initial 12 being chosen by the department for local government.

The towns are Bedford, Croydon, Dartford, Bedminster, Liskeard, Margate, Market Rasen, Nelson, Newbiggin by the Sea, Stockport, Stockton on Tees and Wolverhampton.

Spokespersons from each town had to explain what they would do with the grant to improve their local high streets.

Mary Portas said, “I've been deeply touched by both the quality and creativity of the bids and the momentum Britain's first town teams have generated in just a few short weeks.

“It is now clearer to me than ever that Britain wants its town centres revitalised and the energy and accountability for that needs to rest with the people who live and do business there,” she added.

Proposed plans include the abolition of parking, establishing contemporary arts scenes and mentoring high street business owners.

A further 15 towns to receive funding will be announced by the end of July.