CULTURAL venues in the Maldon district have received another financial boost as part of the Government’s plan to help businesses bounce back in the next few months.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced awards in the second round of its £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced more than £21million which will go to organisations in the East of England, building on £45million which has already been awarded.

This will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer, and plan for reopening and recovery.

The Museum of Power in Langford received a grant of £31,386 which they will use to appoint two event managers between April and June to commence development of its future events programmes following closure during the lockdown.

The museum will also appoint a marketing consultancy to deliver new marketing materials, campaigns and advertisements, and buy barriers, cones and other equipment to ensure outdoor events can continue in a Covid-safe way.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Dr Roger GriffinDr Roger Griffin

Trustee chairman Dr Roger Griffin said: “The Museum of Power is very appreciative and proud to have received this award.

“It will ensure we can fully reopen, recover and support our community to thrive again through our cultural venue providing a great visitor experience, enjoyable community events and engaging and inspiring science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics learning opportunities for all.”

Burnham’s Rio Cinema, run by Cinegogh, will receive £18,162.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Rio Cinema in BurnhamRio Cinema in Burnham

Company director Alejandro Whyatt said: “We are delighted to have received funding from the Culture Recovery Fund for our cinemas to help with sustaining the business into 2021 and to help with health and safety outgoings.

“We are very fortunate as an industry to have received so much support unlike many other businesses in the UK whose struggle is far greater.”

MP Priti Patel said she was pleased with the new funding.

She said: “These awards are excellent news which give us all a boost as we head toward the summer.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Witham MP Priti Patel - Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA WireWitham MP Priti Patel - Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

“I am delighted that two such worthy causes will be receiving financial support from the Government.

“As a patron of the Museum of Power, I am particularly pleased to see their hard work in preserving and keeping alive our industrial history is being recognised and supported by the Government.”