Grant payments of £520,396 have already been received by 319 local businesses since the 'Cheshire West COVID-19 Financial Support for Businesses' grant was launched on 10th November.

Over 1,397 businesses have applied for the new grant and eligible businesses are encouraged to apply now.

Grants are focussed on those businesses that cannot open or operate as normal during the national lockdown, and whose normal business model is therefore significantly affected by the lockdown regulations.

The Council has produced a single application form for businesses which will establish if support is available from one of the four Government grants:

- Grants available for rateable businesses forced to close during the national lockdown;

- Grants available to businesses affected by the national lockdown that are forced to close and are not eligible under the national lockdown scheme above;

- Grants available for business affected by Tier 2 (High Alert) restrictions;

- Grants available for businesses mandated to close since March;

Businesses in hospitality, leisure and accommodation along with non-essential retail, personal care, sports facilities and mobile businesses could be eligible.

Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Legal and Finance said: "We have started making payments to businesses straight away.

"As expected, we have a high volume of applications and will review each one as quickly as we can.

"If a decision can be made easily then we hope to let businesses know within five working days. However, there will be some applications that take longer but we still hope to process these within ten working days."

To apply for the new grant visit the Council's website.

Details about the grant, who is eligible, how to apply and frequently asked questions can be watched on a webinar on the Council's YouTube channel.