The money, from the South West Regional Development Agency, will be used on a "masterplan to enhance and improve the streets and public spaces".

It ties into a wider �11m programme for 11 projects to "improve and raise the quality of open spaces in the town."

These include the introduction of pedestrian friendly spaces, street furniture, lighting, pedestrian and cycle routes and improved signage.

Traffic flow

The additional funding for this will come from the private sector, North Somerset Council and the Weston-super-Mare Regeneration Partnership.

Mike Roe, leader of the council, said: "This funding will kick-start major improvements in the town.

"This is just what we need at the moment and will help secure a better future for Weston.

"These exciting projects will significantly enhance our public spaces and link key parts of the town."

The first project to be completed will be Big Lamp Corner where work to install lighting, seating, paving and street trees will start soon.

The next stage will focus on the Grove Village area around the Playhouse, with work to improve traffic flow to start in the New Year.