BRIERLEY Hill High Street is to receive a £1.8 million boost that will help to breathe new life into some of the town's most historic buildings.

Historic England has confirmed Brierley Hill High Street is one of 68 high streets across England to have been awarded cash as part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) programme.

The programme will help to breathe new life back into Brierley Hill’s historic High Street by paving the way for the development and restoration of disused and dilapidated buildings.

Restoring local historical character and improving the appeal of the town to visitors will be key objectives of the scheme which will see Historic England working with local partners to bring about positive changes.

Dudley South MP Mike Wood has described the successful bid for cash as a "step forward for the town" and he said: “This funding is such great news for Brierley Hill High Street. It will allow for neglected buildings to be restored in a way that preserves their heritage for future generations, at the same time as bringing them back into use for the 21st century.

"I am so pleased to see this significant milestone for Brierley Hill, moving the town forward and ensuring Brierley Hill continues to get the attention it has so badly needed for so long.”

Brierley Hill resident and community campaigner Adam Davies added: “This Heritage Action Zone funding is one of two multi-million pound bids that we have campaigned to win for our town. Although we are still awaiting the result of our second bid (to Future High Streets Fund), this really is fantastic news.

"We’re aiming high for Brierley Hill, and that ambition is paying off.”