Businesses in Ashby and North West Leicestershire that have been told to remain closed under the tier three national restrictions can now apply for a new grant scheme.

The scheme will pay qualifying businesses grants worth up to £1,500 for each 14-day period they are forced to remain closed as part of continuing restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus.

It aims to help hospitality businesses including pubs, restaurants, cafes and social clubs as well as hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, indoor entertainment and visitor attractions that first had to close to the public from the start of the national restrictions on November 5 and then remain closed from December 2 under the tier three restrictions.

Those businesses can now apply for a further fixed grant of £667, £1,000 or £1,500 for each 14-day tier three closure period that began on 2 December, with the grant amount depending on the rateable value of the premises.

And the district council is also set to begin accepting applications for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs with the scheme currently being finalised.

This one-off cash grant of £1,000 supports pubs that only serve alcohol rather than provide food and have been severely impacted over the festive season due to tier two or three restrictions.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "It's important we clearly set out the financial support available and reach as many businesses as possible.

"Our businesses must survive this pandemic - they are at the heart of our communities and we must all do everything we can to back them and support them.

"By working together, we will negotiate this difficult period emerging from the other side intact and ready to rebuild a thriving and prosperous district."

The grant will be based on the rateable value of the property on the first full day of local restrictions and will be based on the following criteria:

• Premises with a rateable value of £15,000 and under are eligible for £667

• Premises from £15,000 to £51,000 are eligible for £1,000

• Premises with a rateable value of £51,000 and over are eligible for £1,500 for each 14-day qualifying period.

For severely affected businesses that do not have a rateable value or those that are not required to close but are unable to continue operating due to social distancing rules a separate discretionary grant scheme, known as the Local Restrictions Support Grant (open), is also available. Visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/businesssupport for the latest information.

For more information about eligibility, frequently asked questions and to apply for all grant schemes, visit NW Leics Business Support