SALISBURY has not been chosen for the second phase of the Future High Street Funds, it has been announced. 

More than 50 areas across the country are going through to the second phase of a multi-million fund that will transform their high streets and make them fit for the future, but Salisbury will not be one of them.

Wiltshire Council announced in February it would be applying for a share of the fund.

Salisbury MP John Glen said: "“I have successfully lobbied for Salisbury to receive funding from central government departments over the past year.

"The Future High Streets Fund allocation was always going to be in two stages and I have met with Ministerial colleagues and officials again this morning to ensure that Salisbury’s case is heard and we are well placed to receive funds from the next allocation round later this year.

"I expect to see more positive news soon.”

From improving transport and access into town centres to converting retail units into new homes, the £675 million Future High Streets Fund will help local leaders to reinvent their town centres.

The successful towns will now receive up to £150,000 of new funding to work up detailed project proposals, based on their initial plans. 

Pauline Church, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development and South Wiltshire Recovery, said: “It’s great so many places, including Swindon, have been successful in this first tranche of Future High Street Fund awards. 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.”