Local pubs that do not serve food will soon be able to benefit from a winter payment support package from the Council.

More than £4m has been paid out this autumn to businesses in Cheshire West and Chester in grant aid to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is co-ordinating the business grants scheme and has already received applications from more than 3,000 borough businesses.

However, with funding still available, the council is urging eligible businesses not to miss out.

The Council will also shortly be administering a £1,000 winter payment to pubs that do not serve food. Eligible pubs can apply for this online and should visit the Council website for further details.

Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for legal and finance, said: "The Council is doing what it can to support local businesses with the funds available.

"These grants are there to help businesses survive and support their staff if these restrictions have forced them to close. We hope this funding will mean they are able to afford to be able to reopen and prosper when restrictions are lifted.

"Many businesses have already benefitted after making a successful application.

"However, we know that many hundreds of businesses in our borough have still not made an application even though they are eligible to receive the funding.

"We urge all businesses owners to consider whether they are eligible and make an application so that they can support themselves and their workforce."

Visit the Council's website for more information about grants and other support: