£5.5m to support high streets
Nearly 400 struggling town centres have won support from a government programme that aims to help revive high streets. Fifteen will become “Portas Pilots” – named after retail consultant Mary Portas – and will receive investment and support from leading industry figures. Newly announced Portas Pilots in London include Lower Marsh and The Cut in Waterloo, Forest Hill and Sydenham in Lewisham, and parts of Towers Hamlets. The total package of support is worth £5.5m nationwide.