A BOROUGH has received £63,000 from the government to help bring back shoppers to its high streets.

Rossendale Council was given the cash from Whitehall's Welcome Back Fund.

Alyson Barnes, leader of the authority , said: “It’s fantastic to see our high streets and small independent businesses back open across Rossendale. We want to make our high streets vibrant and attractive again and will be working hard to help these businesses get back on their feet."

Marcia Potts owner of Luvinit Gifts on Bank Street, Rawtenstall, said: “Anything the council can do support our high street and town centre businesses and encourage people back into our high streets has to be a good thing this initiative is a step in the right direction.”

The cash will allow councils to boost the look and feel of their high streets by investing in street planting, green spaces, and seating areas to make high streets welcoming and install and refresh signage to encourage social distancing and safety.