Culture at the coast

Ailing coastal towns in England have been awarded @pound;12m to boost regeneration through culture and heritage.

Southport, Great Yarmouth, Bridlington and Hastings will use the money to improve theatres, create new performance spaces, and safeguard buildings of historic importance. The cash is being awarded through the government@apostrophe;s Sea Change programme, which will give out a total of @pound;45m over three years to coastal resorts.

Barbara Follett, culture and tourism minister, said: @quote;In these difficult economic times it is more important than ever before to make sure we continue to invest in the regeneration and renewal of our seaside resorts. The projects in these four towns will help to attract new visitors and business opportunities in the whole area as well as giving people pride in their community and protecting their heritage.

The National Economic Development Conference 2009 is at Bournemouth on the theme of Turning the Tide of recession.