Frodsham Town Council have decided to extend this year's over-70s Christmas voucher scheme to non-independent 'local hostelries', including all of Frodsham's pubs and bars.

This comes in a bid to widen Council support for the town's businesses, which have all been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Frodsham Town Council's £10 Christmas vouchers will be delivered to all eligible residents who have completed the application form in early December, and can be spent in a range of places across the town.

In previous years, the scheme was aimed solely at independent shops, cafés and restaurants, with only one Frodsham pub being included.

Local businesses who have received Christmas vouchers as payment will be able to claim an interim payment from the Council at the end of December and January, as well as a final payment at the end of February.

Cllr Phil Griffiths said: "I think we should allow all of [our local public houses] to join in. They've contributed a lot in terms of making people happy and giving them a good time."

Cllr Bernie Wade added: "I totally agree that all the public houses should be included in [the scheme], especially now that Meadow Court has closed and there's no luncheon club. It would be nice for the elderly to go anywhere and have a nice meal on us."

All businesses, clubs and societies wishing to participate in the scheme must fill out an application form. These are available from the Town Council (email [email protected]) and on the Council's website.

The closing date for businesses, clubs and societies to apply is 30th October 2020.

Residents aged 70 and over have until 6th November to apply for their voucher. Forms can be found here.