A Grantham councillor whose patch will benefit from a £1.25 million cash boost to the town's historic attractions has welcomed the initiative to restore it's historic centre.

Grantham was earlier today confirmed as one of 68 High Street Heritage Action Zones in England, with £1.25 million of funding to be invested in the town centre to restore historic properties and regenerate public realm areas.

South Kesteven District Council has been awarded £876,540 from Historic England as part of the Government's High Street Heritage Action Zone programme for Grantham. The council will contribute £375,660 in match funding, with a further £192,000 expected to be provided by private sector partners.

The four-year programme is part of a £95 million package of historic high street regeneration funding announced by Government last year and will be administered by the council's economic development and regeneration company, InvestSK.

The project will focus on the restoration of historic properties and public realm works in Grantham's town centre, interpretation of heritage, and the creation of tools to support future planning and decision making.

Residents and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to get involved in the process and to explore the history and heritage of Grantham through talks, workshops, exhibitions and cultural events.

Coun Ray Wootten (Con- Grantham St Wulfram ) told Nub News: "Grantham's history dates back to Saxon times and grew to become an important centre of industry with an impressive 13th century church. 18th century visitors to the town were impressed by its size and wealth.

"Today, although a little faded through time, a visitor can still see the Victorian town hall, Angel & Royal hotel frequented by King John and Oliver Cromwell and, of course in modern times the home of Margaret Thatcher.

"Extra investment is welcome to enable the restoration of the town centre to celebrate its history and to increase visitor numbers."

Coun Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, South Kesteven District Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, said: "Grantham is a beautiful town with huge potential for growth and development.

" I'm delighted we've been successful in our bid to become a High Street Heritage Action Zone and pleased to secure this funding that will ignite an exciting programme of regeneration in the heart of the historic town.

"For this project to deliver most value for Grantham, we'll be running a comprehensive programme of community engagement and I'd encourage residents, businesses and other key local stakeholders to take part and share their views and ideas to help shape decision making."

Coun Kelham Cooke, Leader of South Kesteven District Council and Chairman of InvestSK, said: "The High Street Heritage Action Zone project is another example of our commitment to invest in our district. By working with the community to conserve and protect the heritage of Grantham, we'll be further enhancing the town for the benefit of our residents and visitors, and future-proofing its appeal as a great place to do business."

Grantham Mayor Dean Ward told Nub News: "It's great that Grantham is getting this money and I'm pleased that people more clever than me will decide what it will be spent on.

"I personally and this is only my opinion but I'd like to see some of the many closed shops turned into accommodation. Sadly, the way we do shopping has changed with a lot of it being done online and that closes shops.

"Some have these have been boarded up for a long time, they look ugly and depressing. Accommodation is needed and that will bring in a revenue for SKDC."

The High Street Heritage Action Zone project will focus on areas of Grantham's town centre which fall within the local Conservation Area and the majority of capital works funding will be focused on Westgate, Market Place and the High Street. Cultural and community engagement activities will cover a wider area of the town.

To find out more about the High Street Heritage Action Zone and register your interest in taking part in the consultation programme, contact InvestSK by emailing [email protected] or calling 01476 406374