THE South Somerset constituency could be set to benefit from a £675million government pot designed to improve Britain's high streets.

The area has been selected as one of 50 areas to progress to the next stage of access to the Government's new Future High Streets Fund.

The news was announced by South Somerset's member of parliament, Marcus Fysh, after he met with prospective Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Although the main beneficiary is set to be Yeovil town centre, Chard Regeneration was also part of the cash bid and could be set to benefit as a result.

MP Fysh said: "This means up to £150,000 now for work with Government on the various regeneration plans and proposals such as for the cattle market, the bus station and Stars Lane, and better access and parking for the town, which could then access a share of the main £675m fund, maybe as much as £10m.

"Along with the recent 33 per cent discount on business rates for those with rateable value of £51,000 or less which I successfully lobbied for, this can be a great boost for Yeovil town centre, as well as potentially for Chard regeneration which was part of the bid.

"Yeovil and Chard have a great future with vibrant industries like Leonardo, skills development like new T levels and the Institute of Technology at Yeovil College, and infrastructure improvements like A303 corridor dualling.

"This is now an opportunity to have town centres to match."

Last week, Mr Fysh penned a column declaring his support for Boris, although he had previously been very vocal on Twitter about his support for Mr Johnson.

"Boris Johnson gets what we have been trying to do in our area to create opportunities for people throughout the region," the MP added.

"With family in Somerset he knows what’s required locally, and I have no doubt he is very keen to spread prosperity to the whole country and will continue to back us here.

"This is one of the reasons I believe he can unite us and why I am backing him to be our next Prime Minister."