WINCHESTER will benefit from a major cash boost as lockdown measures are set to be eased.

More outside seating, pedestrian areas and queueing zones are among the measures set to be implemented in Winchester.

An app which would help people visit the city at less busy times could also be launched, city bosses said.

But details of how this would work and where the measures will be put in place are yet to be revealed.

However, it is expected that the schemes will be rolled out over the next months.

The news comes as Winchester will receive £93,000 from a £242,000 grant.

The fund has been announced  by The Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, which works with Hampshire councils and organisations, to support business growth across the county.

Dave Axam, the Chair of EnterpriseM3, said: “This scheme is all about rolling out innovative and sustainable projects quickly in order to support town centres which have been suffering throughout this crisis. The Covid pandemic has made us all re-think how we use town centres and projects such as this, which will inspire confidence in people to get our high streets moving safely again, are crucial to a rapid recovery.”

Market towns around Winchester  will also see wider streets and more outside seating  in newly pedestrianised areas.

Cllr Paula Ferguson, cabinet lead for climate emergency and local economy at Winchester City Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to secure this funding from the EM3 LEPLEP which will be used to help our local economy recover now that the restrictions are being eased.

"We are focused on providing practical ways to encourage people back into the city and the market towns, and this fund will help us to create attractive outdoor seating areas as well as make changes that will help people to move around more easily and more safely.”