Hastings has today been declared a ‘high streets heritage zone’ putting it in line to benefit from a share of nearly £100 million from Historic England to boost local shops.

Local MP Amber Rudd says she has consistently fought to ensure that local high streets in her constituency get the funding they need.

She told Hastings In Focus: “It is great to hear that Hastings will be one of the recipients of this funding. Our town has such a fantastic historical heritage and this funding will help us to champion and revive our high street for years to come.”

“Funding from Historic England is another step forward to ensuring that we protect, preserve and enhance Hastings.

“I plan to work closely with Historic England to ensure that the funding is allocated in the best way to ensure that our residents and visitors can feel its effects and continue to enjoy our wonderful town.”

Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone initiative is providing a £95 million cash injection to 69 towns across England to give them an economic boost and encourage private investment. Historic England will announce the specific level of funding Hastings will received in the New Year.

Through the High Streets Heritage Action Zones, Historic England will work with to deliver a four-year programme of physical improvements, community engagement and cultural activities to regenerate England’s struggling historic high streets and town centres around the country.