CREWE will post a 'Welcome back- we've missed you!' message to residents thanks to a council grant.

Rainbow banners, signage and bunting are to displayed over the coming week to encourage people to make a return to the town centre.

They are part of a £339,533 cash pot from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) that Cheshire East has received to support the safe reopening of its high streets.

Lockdown easing saw many pubs, restaurants and hair salons open their doors for the first time in over three months last Saturday.

Temporary highway measures, including road closures and social distancing signage has already been put in place across 16 high streets. Now the banner campaign is ready to brighten up the street scene and help lift morale among traders and small businesses who have been hard hit under the pandemic.

Cheshire East Council has been working on the material with Town and Parish Councils to try and make high streets more welcoming.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Cabinet Member for Environment and Regeneration said: "We are continuing to listen to feedback about the temporary highway measures and are looking to find ways to support our high streets and businesses into recovery.

"The 'Welcome back – We've missed you' campaign is designed with our business and visitors at the heart of it and aims to make a more welcoming atmosphere in our towns.

"The pandemic has deeply affected our communities and local economy and we would encourage everyone who feels confident to do so to shop locally and support their local high street at this difficult time."