MORE small firms hit by the coronavirus lockdown will start receiving payments from Hyndburn Council this week.

It has had 160 applications for sums of up to £10,000 under the government's Local Business Discretionary Grants Fund.

Administered by local authorities it is aimed at enterprises ineligible for the existing Small Business Grant and the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Funds.

The grants will help support borough firms to meet the cost of continuing to run their businesses during the Covid-19 restrictions.

Priority has been given to those in shared office space, market traders, bed and breakfasts and others suffering from a significant drop in income while facing continuing high fixed property costs.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of the Hyndburn Council said, “I am once again proud we are able to support small businesses vital to the local economy. Building on our nationally-recognised efficiency in delivering government grants to local businesses, now even more grant funding is in the local economy, shoring up employment and helping Hyndburn where it needs it most.

"Within a matter of weeks, our teams had a new fund and application system up and running and have assessed and allocated grants seamlessly.

"We are committed to thinking big and shopping local and we have once again been able to provide support to local businesses. Join us in our support for our local employers, independent traders and our award winning market and 'Think Big – Shop Local'.

"If your application has been successful, you will shortly be receiving notification letters and payments."