Seaside businesses urged to bid for coastal regeneration grants

An additional £90 million has been made available by the Government to boost the coastal communities fund, which is predicted to safeguard or create 18,000 jobs.

The Department for Communities and Local Government said last August the fund had created more than 3,000 jobs, 6,800 apprenticeship places and safeguarded 864 roles.

Among the coastal towns that have benefited so far is Blackpool, where the council was awarded £1.9 million in 2015 to improve its famous illuminations.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: “Our great British coast has enormous economic potential and we are determined to see it thrive all year round.

“That’s why today we’re investing £90 million in exciting new business ideas across our much-loved seaside areas - bringing not just a wave of enthusiasm but also creating thousands of good new jobs too.

“And with grants of up to £4 million each available, I’d urge our coastal entrepreneurs and communities to get involved.”

The latest round of cash bids, which can be between £50,000 and £4 million, closes on June 30.