DORSET has been awarded more than £816,000 as part of a government initiative to help towns reopen as restrictions ease.

The money, announced by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, comes from the government’s wider £56 million Welcome Back Fund scheme.

Labour has described the amount available as a “drop in the ocean” compared to what is needed.

BCP Council has been awarded more than £416,000 and Dorset Council more than £400,000.

Exactly where the money will be spent remains uncertain - but under the scheme, councils have been told to allow bars and restaurants to erect gazebos and marquees all summer for al-fresco dining.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, deputy leader of BCP Council, said: "I am delighted we have received £416,323 from the government’s Welcome Back Fund which will help support the safe and successful reopening of our town centres once more across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

"This will be in addition to other preparations and grants we are working on, such our summer resilience programmes and Bounce Back funds for businesses.

“Last year we launched innovative initiatives such the Rediscover Safely campaign, helping to relaunch our high streets following the previous lockdowns.

"This year, the additional funding allocated to us as a Coastal Local Authority will help us address the unique challenges we face as a seaside destination and enable us to support and promote the safe reopening of our towns and seafronts as we prepare for a great summer, welcoming back residents and holidaymakers over the next few months.”

Dorset Council portfolio holder for economic growth, Cllr Tony Ferrari, said: “We welcome this modest contribution from government which follows on from the money we received last summer for re-opening safely.

“This fund is targeted to help us to successfully and safely reopen and to support public communication about this.

“When the detailed guidelines are published we will understand more and can open discussions on how best to spend the money.”

It is understood the funding can be used by councils to boost the look and feel of their high streets by investing in street planting, parks, green spaces and outside seating areas; to prepare to hold events such as street markets and festivals, and to install signage and floor markings to encourage social distancing and safety.

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Michael Tomlinson said: “This is great news for our local area, and I know that our local businesses are keen to re-open.

“Towns like Wimborne did a brilliant job last year with their ‘welcome back’ campaign, and I look forward to our high streets being busy again.”

Meanwhile, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “As we move to the next stage on the roadmap out of lockdown we are all looking forward to being reunited with friends and family outdoors and making a safe and happy return to our favourite shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

"Our Welcome Back Fund gives every city, town and high street support to prepare for a great summer.

“This funding will help councils and businesses to welcome shoppers, diners and tourists back safely.

“As soon as the roadmap allows, we need to get behind our local businesses and enjoy all that this country has to offer and that we’ve been missing so much.

“I’m allowing every pub in the country to erect a marquee in their garden for the whole summer as a one-off power to support our locals.”