POOLE is one of the towns picked get a share of £95 million cash to revive its historic High Street.

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan announced the cash injection, which will be shared between 69 high streets across England.

The award is part of an initiative to help high streets which are being threatened from online outlets.

Government says the funds will "transform historic buildings into shops, house and community centre."

The investment for Poole High Street builds on the Heritage Action Zone programme, run by Historic England, which will turn empty and underused buildings into creative spaces, offices, retail outlets and housing.

BCP Council portfolio holder for regeneration and culture Cllr Mark Howell said: "Poole High Street has a long and rich history and this scheme will enhance and help support our wider plans for revitalising Poole town centre for our residents.

"We now look forward to working with Historic England on the programme design stage."

The initiative will be funded by combining £40 million from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund with £52 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Street Fund. An additional £3 million will be provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme to engage people in the life and history of their high streets.

Rebecca Barrett, regional director at Historic England South West, said: “It is fantastic news for the local people, residents and businesses in Poole that they will receive much needed funding to help support and revitalise their historic High Street. Historic England is looking forward to working with the local communities and stakeholders on this exciting project.”

Although the exact amount of money heading to Poole has not been confirmed, it is clear the south west region – which has ten high streets including Poole listed as beneficiaries – is to receive £13.7 million.

An even split would mean at least £1.3m for the Dorset town.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “I want to make sure the nation’s high streets continue to be at the heart of local communities.

“Today’s funding, part of the £3.6 billion we have committed to helping towns across the country, will revitalise much-loved historic buildings, helping to reverse the decline of our town centres.

“Ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country, not just those in our biggest cities, is a priority of this government in our mission to ‘level up’ the regions.”

Meanwhile, Chancellor Sajid Javid, said: "We are doubling funding to nearly £100 million to revitalise our heritage high streets, ensuring they remain at the heart of our communities for years to come.

“This will help places across the country – from South Norwood to Scarborough – protect their treasured historic buildings and support local economies to thrive.”