00:00Across the West Midlands, empty shop fronts have become an increasingly
00:04familiar sight, raising concerns about the future of many town centres. Now the
00:10region's mayor believes a new investment program could help breathe fresh life
00:15in two struggling high streets. Richard Parker has announced a £10 million
00:19fund through the West Midlands Combined Authority. The money will be shared
00:24between selected locations across the region, although successful areas have
00:29not yet been confirmed. The investment is intended to bring boarded up shops back
00:34into use, improve public spaces, create new market stalls and street food venues,
00:40and support events designed to attract more visitors and encourage businesses
00:45to invest. The announcement comes as the government plans to give councils greater
00:50control over new vetting shops and vape stores. The mayor says the combination of
00:55new powers and investment will help create cleaner, safer and more vibrant high
01:00streets. Supporters argue the program could help revive local economies and
01:05encourage confidence. Critics, however, question whether £10 million will stretch
01:11far enough across such a large region, particularly when high streets continue to
01:16face wider economic pressures and changing shopping habits. And the locations receiving
01:22funding are expected to be announced after councils complete their assessments.
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