The Government has unveiled an initiative aimed at giving communities more control over the regeneration of their struggling high streets and neighbourhoods.
Under the Pride in Place scheme, councils will have greater powers to regulate unwanted businesses, including gambling outlets, vape shops and barbers linked to organised crime.
Communities will also be able to acquire and refurbish vacant shops and pubs, and create public spaces such as parks.
As part of the programme, neighbourhood boards will be established in 330 areas to guide the use of a reported £3.4bn in funding for regeneration projects.
Local government secretary Steve Reed said: ‘The Government is putting power into their hands, so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods – not us in Westminster. That's what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.'
