The Government has today made its first down payments to towns across the North East as part of its Towns Fund project.

As part of the effort to get the economy moving this autumn, an early£1.75 million has been allocated for investment in the BoHo district of Middlesbrough, the Coatham area of Redcar, and the Northgate area of Darlington. All three towns will be bidding for a further £25 million investment each from the Towns Fund.

Over 100 towns in England will be given up to £1m to kick start regeneration projects and give areas a boost.

This funding, ranging from £500,000 up to £1m per town, will be used to support projects such as new green spaces, pop-up businesses spaces, pedestrianising streets and installing community hubs to support those living alone.

Simon Clarke, Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: "This early payment is exactly the kind of Government investment we need to kickstart our plans for making Teesside an economic powerhouse."

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, said: "This is an early boost will be used to kickstart plans for the redevelopment of the former Mungle Jungle site."

Peter Gibson, Conservative MP for Darlington, said: "I am delighted to receive support coming to Darlington, which will make the town a better and brighter place to be."

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Our Towns Fund will help to share prosperity across the country and level-up.

"This £80 million funding for immediate investment is a real boost for our towns and will help them thrive with investment in transport, technology, skills and culture.

“It will give towns across the opportunity to drive economic growth and improve prospects for their communities, which will be vital as the country responds to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We are fully behind our high streets and will support local areas to build back better.”

This investment will give areas in all corners of England the opportunity to drive economic growth and improve prospects for their communities, which will be vital as the country continues to respond to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. These funds are part of the overall £3.6 billion Towns Fund money allocated - with this initial pot shared out now to get some projects off the ground and give local areas the boost they need.