by Nathan Rao

A cash injection of more than £20,000 will help to “promote the image” of a town.

The payout of £24,000 to put towards the regeneration of Leysdown has been announced.

It comes after a successful bid for a grant from the Government's Sea Change project which aims to drive regeneration and cultural growth in seaside towns.

A spokesman for Swale council said the main priority area will be the centre of Leysdown which connects the main street to the sea.

She added: “This application for Sea Change funding is to support the development of a vision for inspirational change at Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey.

“It does have some links with the aviation heritage as it is designed to help renovate the resort and promote the image of the resort as a day visitor and short break destination.”

The application was kick-started by Island MP Derek Wyatt (Lab) who said: “When Sea Change was introduced my first thought was for Leysdown. The resort has great potential but sadly is not as good as its heyday, so that’s why I stirred the community into action to make sure they put a bid in. I am delighted that the application has now been successful. I am particularly pleased for the parish council, who also put a lot of hard work into this.

“The Government has invested a lot of money into the Island for regeneration at Rushenden and the new link road, but until now, there had been little for the east side, so I am very pleased that Leysdown is getting some much-needed attention too.”