Grants on offer for seaside revamps

The Coastal Communities Fund, announced last July, is intended to boost jobs and prosperity in ailing resorts by helping them to modernise tourism facilities or diversify into other sectors.

Successful applicants can expect to get a grant of between £50,000 and £2m, with the cash coming from revenues generated by the Crown Estate’s marine assets.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said he hoped to receive bids from charities, businesses, social enterprises and local organisations to use the money for projects such as skills training and apprenticeships, small-scale transport improvements and the establishment of new workspaces.

Mr Pickles said: “Seaside towns and coastal communities have huge potential for economic growth that we simply can’t afford to waste.”