The Government has announced that East Devon District Council will receive £230,991 to prepare town centres and seaside resorts for the safe return of shoppers and tourists this summer.

It's part of the Government's £56 million Welcome Back Fund, being distributed to local authorities across England.

The money can be used to provide or improve outdoor areas for socialising, smarten up the streets and organise events such as festivals and markets to support local businesses.

The councils can use any amount of the funding they receive to put together a bid for up to £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund, to regenerate and improve town centres in their areas.

Council 'needs to submit a strong bid for Exmouth'

The MP for East Devon, Simon Jupp, has already suggested that East Devon District Council could bid for Levelling Up cash for Exmouth.

He said: "I have spoken up for Exmouth in Parliament, and now funding which can be used to develop plans to improve our town is on the way.

"East Devon District Council needs to submit a strong bid to be considered for up to £20 million for Exmouth's High Street. I hope the council will work with me to grasp this opportunity for the good of our town."

The Government's website providing guidance on applying for money from the Levelling Up Fund indicates that council areas have been put into priority categories graded 1, 2 or 3, with category 1 'representing places with the highest levels of identified need'.

East Devon is in category 3.

The website says: "While preference will be given to bids from higher priority areas, the bandings do not represent eligibility criteria, nor the amount or number of bids a place can submit.

"Bids from categories 2 and 3 will still be considered for funding on their merits of deliverability, value for money and strategic fit, and could still be successful if they are of exceptionally high quality."