by Graham Tutthillgtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Dover and Deal have missed out in the latest bid for a share in the multi-million pound package of Government support to revive their high streets.

But the Town Teams set up to mastermind the projects say they will still be aiming to make a difference in the two towns.

It was the second time that Dover had applied to become a Portas Pilot, named after retail guru Mary Portas who will be helping the 15 towns that have been chosen, including Ashford.

The Dover Town Team (pictured above) had put forward a number of initiatives to improve the town centre, including the creation of a Blue Bird trail.

But Local Government Minister Grant Shapps has said that the towns which have not been selected may still get some help.

He issued a call to MPs from those towns, including Charlie Elphicke, to come forward and sign a national pledge to become a Town Team Partner, enabling access to a package of support to their own town.

Those that sign up receive backing from a £5.5 million support programme to help put elements of their plans into action.

They will also benefit from a new web-based encyclopaedia – 100 Ways to Help the High Street – which will be hosted and run by the Association of Town Centre Management.

Business in the Community will also marshal support from businesses, retailers and trade bodies both for the Town Team Partners and the 27 Portas Pilots.

Further details will be announced later this year.

See this week's East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury.