FUNDING to boost struggling high streets across the country could be coming to Chippenham, as Wiltshire Council waits to see if it has been successful in the Future High Street Fund.

Swindon was confirmed as one of the first 52 towns to make it through to the second phase of the £675 million regeneration project.

Bids have been put in for Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury by Wiltshire Council.

Cllr Pauline Church, cabinet member for Economic Development said: “We are expecting to hear about our own bids this autumn in the second wave, and we believe that Salisbury, Chippenham and Trowbridge are all deserving of this funding.

“We already have a team in place to deliver on these projects in Salisbury, and we will continue to work with businesses, local people and key stakeholders in the three areas on the development of our bids."

“I am hopeful that we will be awarded these much-needed funds to help secure the future of the retail, hospitality, leisure and service businesses in Wiltshire.”

The fund was launched in December 2018.

High Streets Minister Jake Berry MP said: "High Streets are a crucial part of our local economies and people care about them because they are also the centres of their community.

"But we recognise that changing consumer behaviour and the rise of online shopping presents a significant challenge and that’s why we are taking action to help them evolve.

Do Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury High Streets need rejuvenation? Are other towns in need of the cash boost too? Email Julia.hijstek@newsquest.co.uk