SOUTH Lakeland District Council has expanded one of the Covid business grant support schemes to bring in more businesses.

This means independent, non-essential retailers and their local wholesalers and suppliers may now be able to access this support.

SLDC has reviewed the Local Restrictions Support Grant for open businesses to widen the eligibility criteria, having granted it to more than 1,300 businesses already through this scheme.

It was originally aimed at leisure and hospitality businesses severely impacted by the Tier 2 restrictions in December, such as the rule of six and restricted mixing of households, but which were not legally required to close their doors.

However, this will now be expanded to other businesses.

Councillor Robin Ashcroft, SLDC's portfolio holder for economy, culture and leisure, said: “Businesses that believe they now qualify for this grant through this expanded criterion should go online to check their eligibility and to apply as soon as possible.

“Supporting businesses in South Lakeland through these tough times is one of our main priorities and SLDC is committed to doing everything we can to make sure they get through this and recover.”