Bideford is one of fifty towns to be short-listed for the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

"Our high streets are right at the heart of our communities, and I will do everything I can to make sure they remain vibrant places where people want to go, meet and spend their money.

"But with our town centres facing challenges, we’re today expanding the High Streets Fund to support over 100 high streets to regenerate – backed by £1 billion of vital investment.

T"his scheme is going to re-energise and transform even more of our high streets – helping them to attract new businesses, boost local growth, and create new infrastructure and jobs."

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

"High streets have a crucial role to play as we work to grow the economy of all parts of the country.

"Our £1 billion Future High Streets Fund is key to delivering this, empowering local leaders to help transform their high streets and town centres as consumer habits change, by investing in housing, workplaces, infrastructure and culture.

"Interest in the Fund has been huge, and with so many strong applications, I am extending the number of towns moving forward to the next phase and getting a chance to develop their proposals.

"The government is going to level-up our regional economies and as Communities Secretary I am proud to be driving this agenda forward."