MORE than 830 Warrington businesses have applied for financial help in less than a week.

Friday saw the launch of new funding for Warrington businesses – including those who have had to close, along with those who are struggling due to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown.

The council has already received more than 830 applications.

A council spokesman said the council’s benefits and exchequer service is working hard to process these as quickly as possible, so that they can begin paying out funds.

Businesses who think they may be eligible but have not yet applied are being urged to do so by completing the application form at warrington.gov.uk/business-support-coronavirus-update

The council is administering the money it has been given by Government.

There are two pots available:

n Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) – government grants of up to £3,000 per month for businesses required to close due to local lockdowns or targeted restrictions – such as the Tier 3 closures agreed in Warrington last month.

n Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) – funding secured by the council from the government to support closed businesses and those directly impacted by the lockdown, which will be administered on a discretionary basis.

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for economic development and innovation, Cllr Tom Jennings, said: “I'd like to reassure every business that we are acting diligently to get these vital funds to you. Since launching this new phase of funding, we've received hundreds of applications and are working hard to minimise any delays.

"As a council, we are committed to delivering the maximum level of support to our business community during this difficult time. I would urge any eligible businesses who have not yet applied to do so as soon as possible.

“I’m confident that, by working together – and by ensuring every penny of available funding reaches you as quickly as possible – we can overcome the challenges we are facing.”

More than £80million in Covid relief and grants has been paid out to Warrington businesses since April.

To apply for funding, visit warrington.gov.uk/business-support-coronavirus-update.