NEW funding is being awarded to museums, galleries, libraries and cultural venues as part of the Government's plans to level up access to culture.

Leigh MP James Grundy is encouraging the town to bid for part of the funding, which stands at almost £17 million for towns and cities across the country.

Funded by the Museum Estate and Development Fund and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, the cash boost will help museums conduct maintenance work and improve their building infrastructure and collections for the benefit of visitors and staff members.

Museums can apply for the second round of government funding from May 9 with bids between £50,000 and £5 million.

Commenting, James Grundy MP said: "We have a rich national heritage showcased in our local museums, of which we can all be proud, and we must preserve them for future generations to enjoy. 

“The Government’s extra £16.9 million in funding from the Museum Estate and Development Fund will protect and widen access to the historic collections in our museums and galleries. I urge museums and cultural venues across the Leigh constituency to apply from 9 May 2022. 

“This Conservative Government is levelling up access to culture across the country – safeguarding the best of our local history so that wherever people live they can be proud of our shared heritage.”