Rutland businesses forced to close during the second national COVID-19 lockdown have until the end of next week to apply for financial support through a new government grant scheme.

Rutland County Council has received more than 300 applications from businesses that operate in sectors required to close through lockdown since the grant scheme was launched on 16 November.

The Council is urging eligible businesses to submit their applications for lockdown business support grants before the closing date of 5pm on Friday 4 December. Details of how to apply can be found online at: www.rutland.gov.uk/covidbusiness.

Coun Gordon Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "The response to the government's new grant scheme for businesses hit by lockdown has been really positive so far.

"However, we know there are more rate paying businesses, including those that have rate relief, which are eligible for a grant. We are asking businesses to check our website to see if they meet the eligibility criteria and then complete an application."

A separate grants scheme will soon be launched for businesses in sectors that are required to close by government but who don't pay business rates.

Business owners who may be eligible for this second, discretionary grant scheme are asked to keep checking the Council's website for updates on when this scheme will be launched: www.rutland.gov.uk/covidbusiness.