A £191,270 cash injection from the Government will help community and parish councils on the Isle of Wight reopen for the summer.

Aimed at supporting high streets and seaside resorts, the fund was announced by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, on March 20.

On the same day, however, the Island was not among 70 councils included for support in the fist stage of the government's High Streets Task Force initiative.

Mr Jenrick said that it would offer problem solving expertise and training, to boost struggling shopping areas.

Meanwhile, the Island's share of the £56 million Welcome Back fund must be used for things like publicity, safety measures, signage and improvements.

Making beaches safer, with the re-introduction of buoys and other safety features, are among the ideas being considered.

Toilets, bins and planters are also on the table.

The money will feed into the Isle of Wight Council’s Coastal Communities Strategy and County Hall has pledged to consult with town, community and parish councils.

Conservative Cllr Dave Stewart, who represents Chale, Niton and Whitwell, said: "This cash injection is welcome and it is right we make sure town, community and parish councils receive it, as they know best what needs to be done in their area.

"Our hospitality and tourism sectors have been hard hit by the lockdowns and a lack of tourism for more than a year now but the vaccination programme, easing of lockdown and a vibrant staycation market means I am confident we can bounce back.

Critics say the impact of Covid-19 on Isle of Wight tourism has been significant and questioned if it was enough to make a real difference.

The Green Party called the cash a 'drop in the ocean.'

Its candidate, Daniel James, who is standing in Freshwater North and Yarmouth, said while the funding was welcomed, it did not balance out the costs of essential services being taken on by parishes and towns.

Liberal Democrats on the Isle of Wight said they were 'pleased' to see the funding, but criticised the timing of the announcement on the Isle of Wight.

Labour said that while additional funding is 'always welcome', it 'barely scratches the surface of what our Island needs'.

The Vectis Party called the amount of money being handed to the Island 'insulting' and called for some of the cash to be made directly available to local councils.