THIS week, Wycombe MP Steve Baker writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers about funding for High Wycombe's High Street:

Anyone who treasures our historic High Street as I do will know local shopping faces huge pressures.

These come not just from business rates, rents and planning controls but from the changing nature of the way we live and shop.

Too often, that can be seen in closed stores and empty units.

We need change for our High Street to flourish so I was pleased last week when Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed an additional 50 towns, including High Wycombe, will benefit from the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund.

The scheme is a key part of the Government’s plan to renew and reshape town centres and high streets.

High Wycombe will join 50 successful areas shortlisted to develop plans to reinvent their high streets.

The funding could be used to improve transport and access into our town centre, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces or invest in vital infrastructure.

Our town will progress to the second phase of the Future High Streets Fund, receiving up to £150,000 to support the development of detailed project proposals that can be submitted for capital funding.

Through the planning system we are helping to support changes to high streets, making it easier for them to adapt, with a wider range of retail, residential and other uses.

Small retailers have also seen their bills cut by a third thanks to business rates retail discount, worth an estimated £1 billion.

The Treasury Committee on which I sit is inquiring into further necessary reform of the system.

Our High Street is right at the heart of our community, and we must make sure it remains a vibrant place where people want to go, meet and spend money.

Many congratulations to Wycombe District Council and High Wycombe BIDCo on securing this important long-term opportunity.