Wiltshire Council to begin exciting investment programme into the county's high streets

A new investment programme of £1m a year will begin in the coming months to encourage people back to Wiltshire's town centres and high streets. The Wiltshire Towns Programme was confirmed at today's Cabinet meeting (Tuesday 21 June).

The town and parish councils of all 18 Wiltshire towns, the city of Salisbury, plus Pewsey, Tisbury and Downton will all be able to bid to Wiltshire Council for allocated funding that can be spent on plans to improve their high streets and attract more visitors to their communities.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: The past few years have been particularly difficult for high streets throughout Wiltshire, and that's why we're investing £1m a year until 2025 to support our towns and businesses.

This funding will help to attract more visitors to the high street and boost local businesses.

But we recognise that each high street and town centre in Wiltshire is unique, and that's why we're working closely with the town and parish councils in these areas to deliver what their communities need. This is a locally-led campaign that will provide real benefits for the businesses in each of the 22 areas.

As well as the individual funding for town centres, we'll also be launching other schemes to boost high streets, including a Generating Activity Grant, which will drive footfall back to high streets with events and activities; a What's on in Wiltshire events app; plus heritage apps to help visitors find out more about the history of our towns.

Retail accounts for more than 20,000 jobs in Wiltshire, and this doesn't include the many services, hospitality and leisure facilities that are located on or rely on the high street. So we want to do all we can to support this vital sector and continue to do all we can to give our high streets the tools they need to thrive and attract more visitors and shoppers.

To find out more about the Wiltshire Towns Programme, people should see the Cabinet report at: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=141&MId=14357 (opens new window).