Roman Road has been announced as one of the beneficiaries of a new government scheme aimed at revitalising the nation’s high streets.

The Roman Town Team, set up by residents who want to breathe a new lease of life into the area, previously missed out on funding under the Mary Portas-inspired pilot scheme earlier in the year.

However, a new batch of funding announced on Tuesday by communities and local government minister Mark Prisk MP, is set to give the team a cash injection of �10,000 to help revive the road’s businesses.

Paula Hirst, one of the founders of the Roman Town Team, said: “Getting recognition is great and the funding should help us to get the ball rolling.

“We’re pleased, but it’s small beginnings and the money won’t go very far - there’s a long journey ahead.”

The group is now looking into using the money to run some events in the run-up to Christmas, and is also hoping to set-up workspaces in the area for local people in order to promote local businesses.

Announcing the funding, which is to be made available to a number of similar schemes around the country, Mr Prisk said: “No one’s pretending that there’s a silver bullet for improving the performance of our town centres.

“But Town Teams can channel their energy and enthusiasm into promoting a more exciting and competitive offer on our high-streets, and help them thrive for years to come.”