Al fresco dining revolution to become permanent with rules relaxed for pubs, restaurants and cafes

BRITAIN’S struggling high streets will be put at the heart of Boris Johnson’s flagship “levelling up” drive.

He will this week announce measures to revolutionise town centres brought to their knees by lockdowns.

As a first step, the al fresco dining revolution will become a permanent feature — with rules relaxed to make it easier for pubs, restaurants and cafes to set up tables outside.

A spokesman said: “The Prime Minister is determined to level up the UK and deliver a fairer, stronger society.”

His ideas will build on a ­£5billion rescue package for 700,000 hard-hit high street ­traders announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his spring Budget.

In his speech on Thursday, Mr Johnson will also unveil extra support for shopping centres.

There will also be new investment in infrastructure and skills, plus measures to restore pride in local town centres.

The PM will go on to vow to tackle inequalities entrenched by the pandemic.

He will spell out his determination to ensure people have equal opportunities to succeed no matter where they live.

And he will seek community leaders’ views before publishing a Levelling UP White Paper in the autumn.

A source said yesterday: “The regeneration of the great British high street will form a major part of his strategy.”