Dr Luke Evans, the Member of Parliament for Bosworth, took the opportunity to invite the Prime Minister to the borough for a pint during this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions.
Raising the issue of support for our local tourist economy Dr Evans asked “(Bosworth) is best known for the Battle of Bosworth, but we also have many other attractions like Twycross Zoo, Mallory Racecourse, Burbage Common and Thornton Reservoir, now these attractions all support superb cafes and pubs. With the bank holiday weekend coming up does the Prime Minister have any plans? Does he want to popup to Bosworth? But more importantly what is the government doing to support these attractions and domestic tourism as we go into the summer?”
Mr Johnson replied light-heartedly “I want to tell (my honourable friend) no matter how many pints I joined him in lifting in the pubs of Bosworth it could not do as much for the economy of Bosworth as what we are already doing with the £56 million Welcome Back fund; probably even more welcome than my presence in Bosworth I venture to suggest!”
The Welcome Back fund has been announced to provide funding to help councils prepare for the safe return of shoppers and tourists, including employing extra staff to keep festivals and events covid secure.
Additionally pubs, restaurants and listed buildings have been given more flexibility to use their land to help more people meet up and enjoy themselves, including erecting marquees in pub gardens for the whole summer.
Restart grants of up to £18,000 are also available to businesses in the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors. Businesses in Hinckley & Bosworth should contact Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to determine eligibility.
Dr Luke added “I’m delighted that Government have put so many measures in place to support our hospitality and retail sector as they reopen after lockdown. I hope everyone in Hinckley and Bosworth will get out and about as much as they are able to, and that we attract tourists too – even the Prime Minister – so that local businesses can have a bumper summer!”
