High streets across the borough will be helped to reopen safely thanks to a £352,000 funding boost.

The Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund will help councils to introduce signs, street markings, temporary barriers and other measures designed to protect shoppers as the coronavirus lockdown continues to ease.

Barnet Council has received more than £352,000 of the £50 million funding pot, which can also be used for marketing campaigns to explain the changes to the public.

It is hoped all non-essential retailers will be able to open in a phased way from June 15, subject to the scientific advice.

MP for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers said: “It’s important we find effective ways for this money to be used quickly here in Barnet to make sure our high streets can play their part in kickstarting the economic recovery from Covid-19.

“I will continue to liaise with the council, councillors and local community groups to find out what can be done to put this substantial sum to the best possible use. It will do a great deal to help shops reopen and give people the confidence to return to the high street.”

Ms Villiers has asked council leader Cllr Dan Thomas to ensure high streets in her constituency receive a fair share of the money, including High Barnet, New Barnet, East Barnet Village, Greenhill Parade, Whetstone High Road, Hampden Square, Friern Barnet and Colney Hatch Lane.

She has also approached councillors to ask if they have projects that could benefit from the funding.

The £50 million Government investment comes from the European Regional Development Fund, which is allocated by the European Union.

A Barnet Council spokesperson said: “We welcome Theresa Villiers’ suggestions. We will take them on board in consideration with the wider needs of the entire borough. We will provide updates for our residents and businesses about how the money will be spent in due course.”