ST HELENS Council will receive more than £160,000 from government to help reopen its high streets safely.

Local authorities in Merseyside are to be given funds from the government to help them reopen its high streets safely – though some leaders in the region say the money coming through from government simply isn’t enough.

Each of the councils in the city region will be getting a share of £1.3million to help put in safety measures for when businesses reopen.

The news comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that outdoor markets and car showrooms would be able to open from June 1.

From June 15 all other shops will be allowed to reopen, with social distancing in place.

Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers and they are confident they are managing the risks.

The government said they will give councils in England a share of £50m of the ‘Reopening High Streets Safely Fund’ – with Merseyside councils getting £1.3million in total between them.

Merseyside councils will be able to use the cash to develop local marketing campaigns to explain the changes to people and reassure them the high streets are safe to use again.

The money will also be used by local councils to be used on new signs, street markings and temporary barriers.

However council leaders across the region have joined forces to say coronavirus is having a greater impact in the region than anywhere else – and that the government promise to do ‘whatever it takes’ has so far been found wanting.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and all the region’s council leaders have made a direct and urgent appeal to the Prime Minister backed up by a detailed report entitled ‘The Case for the Liverpool City Region.’

The collective intervention from local leaders warns that recovery from the local health, economic and social crisis caused by COVID-19 represents the greatest challenge the area has faced since 1945.

Local authorities have been working round the clock to mobilise the unprecedented levels of support currently needed in the region, however the area is experiencing higher than average infection and mortality rates.

Councils across the City Region are spending an extra £10m a week to protect local residents and over the next six months they estimate the bill is likely to be around £341m, with the Combined Authority also losing over £5m a week.

With only £100m allocated so far from central Government, concern is growing that local authorities here are staring into a funding black-hole of almost a quarter of a billion pounds.

There have been widespread concerns across all the region’s councils that the government’s promise to do ‘whatever it takes’ to support local authorities during the crisis hasn’t been kept. 

St Helens Council will receive £160,220 to help reopen its high streets safely.

Cllr Richard McCauley, cabinet member for economic regeneration and housing said social distancing measures in the high street must continue in order for it to be safe.

St Helens Star:

Cllr McCauley

He said: “Now that restrictions are being eased, like many towns and cities, we are turning our attention to the re-opening of St Helens after a time when the town centres has, in the main, been placed on pause.

“The caveat in re-opening our town centres is that we must together employ social distancing measures which may continue for weeks, maybe months.

“Our plan to do this will consist of how we as a council will create an environment which is safe and secure for people to use and move freely confidently, whilst employing the social distancing measures to produce a series of clear and consistent messages focused largely on the need to employ distancing in and around the town centres so consumers and businesses know clearly how the ‘new’ way of using the town centre can be practically used and adopted, engaging with businesses on new practices and activities to understand how their businesses can operate alongside public spaces.”

Meanwhile, Knowsley Council will receive £133,288 of the funds to help its town centres.

Here is the breakdown of the amount other councils in the region will receive from the high street funds:

Liverpool 

Liverpool City Council will receive £443,129 from the government to help kick-start the reopening of its high street.

Mayor Joe Anderson announced plans today of how the council itself is injecting £450,000 of its own money to help local businesses redesign outdoor spaces and turn them into high quality, covered seating areas.

These areas will help to make up for the internal space that businesses are losing as a result of social distancing restrictions.

It is a move believed to be a first of its kind in the country and will aim to ensure many independent bars and restaurants are able to continue trading safely, while also creating a whole new ambiance and dining experience for customers.

The council is working with the Liverpool BID Company – which supports 1,500 businesses in the city centre – and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as with a collection of creatives and designers on the bold plans.

The easing of restrictions on bars and restaurants is not expected until early July, but the city is keen to start getting itself ready to be as accessible and safe as possible in the coming months.

A spokesperson for the local authority said this money will also be “in tandem” with cash from central government.

They said: “We are working in partnership with a range of organisations including Liverpool BID Company and the Chamber of Commerce on our plans for recovery.

“The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund will be used in tandem with £450,000 of our own money we have set aside to create safe outdoor spaces for independent businesses in the city centre.

“It is absolutely vital for the city’s economy that we get visitors back to Liverpool when it is safe to do so, and encourage as many people as possible to support local businesses.”

Sefton 

Sefton Council will receive £244,167 lump sum to help its high streets.

The government also said the money will be used in other public spaces such as beach fronts and promenades including the likes of Southport, Formby, Crosby and Ainsdale.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said it is working with other bodies on an economic recovery plan to look at the “safe” reopening of the town centres in the borough.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Sefton Council is currently working with partners developing an economic recovery plan and action plans that will look at the safe reopening of our town centres.

“These plans will detail some initiatives as outlined in the recent government announcement and guidance from other advisory bodies.”

Wirral 

Wirral Council is set to get £286,292 for its high streets.

Wirral’s Chamber of Commerce CEO, Paula Basnett welcomed the news of the non-essential retail sector opening from June 15.

She said it is likely to be an “entirely new way” of how these businesses will be run in light of the pandemic.

She said: “The announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding all none essential retail are able to open from June 15 providing that they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines will be a much-welcomed announcement from our businesses on Wirral.

“It is vital that Government provides the clarity and guidance needed on a phased reopening of the retail sector to ensure that businesses and customers remain safe.

“It is likely to be an entirely new way of operating for many businesses and support from government is a necessity.

“Wirral Chamber of Commerce will continue to support our businesses and community during this phased approach of reopening our high streets to ensure that we all remain safe.”

A spokesperson for Wirral Council did not comment.

Halton

Halton Council is getting £114,260 of the ‘Reopening of High Streets Safely’ funds.

A spokesperson for the local authority’s did not comment on these particular funds.

However council leaders of both local authorities joined the call for fair funding to fight COVID-19.