Conservative Councillors in Bath & North East Somerset have secured funding for a proposal spearheaded by Paul Myers, Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration, which will give a major £10 million boost to our High Streets across the West of England.

The proposal came about in an economic climate where High Streets across the country have suffered from the pressures of a combination of factors, most notably changing shopping patterns as a result of online sales.

Cllr Myers observed that all levels are affected, from the city to market towns, to local centres. With examples around the country where High Streets are bucking the trend, this project is the first major step to developing a model to help transform and evolve our High Streets into new leisure hubs fit for the digital age.

The idea has evolved following the High Street survey run by local research company, Cognisant, printed in The Journal, and filled out by local readers about what they would like to see on the High Street, its current offering and shopping/spending habits.

The survey idea came from a packed public meeting in Midsomer Norton on how to regenerate our High Street and the work which has followed since then.

After gaining unanimous backing from the B&NES Conservative group, Paul Myers pitched the idea to Tim Bowles, at the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which was strongly endorsed by him, and the decision was taken by the leaders to roll out a pilot of the “Love our High Street” scheme across B&NES, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

In B&NES, the proposed trial scheme will focus on three locations.

Firstly, in Bath city centre, the goal is to animate the main axis from Southgate to the top of Milsom Street. In Midsomer Norton, the town centre will aim to reinvent itself as a market town for the 21st century, with a range of ideas being considered. Thirdly, Twerton High Street will benefit from a community-led investment pilot.

The money will be split, but could see up to £1 million of Government funding for Midsomer Norton High Street.

On top of this, there will be a ‘Local High Street Vitality Initiative’ which will identify quick improvements in 33 local centres that can come into immediate effect. Residents are advised to get in touch with any ideas they have.

Cabinet Member for Community and Economic Regeneration, Paul Myers, who has driven this project, said: “This exciting scheme is the first step in our goal to reinvent our High Streets and attract residents in for more than just the shopping experience.

“Whilst on a national level, High Streets have struggled to compete with online sales, I strongly believe that our hubs have huge potential, and now is the time to take action.

“By learning from the success stories around the country, with the backing of new funds, we can begin transforming our High Streets into leisure experiences which can not only serve local residents, but draw people from afar.”

A more detailed proposal will be unveiled following the WECA committee meeting on 30th November.