HALTON Council said that it has approved grants worth £6.2 million to 552 businesses in the borough hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Eddie Jones, the council’s portfolio holder for economic development, said the local authority was looking at ways to provide additional support beyond the money available from Westminster.

He added: “Where government support is available, I’d like to reassure businesses that the council and partner organisations have acted quickly and are working hard to put in place the systems necessary to make sure they receive it. ”

Government grants are available to small businesses and the retail, hospitality and leisure industries.

Administered by local councils, the one-off grants are part of the government’s unprecedented package of measures designed to support businesses through the crisis.

Businesses entitled to small business rate relief can apply for grants of up to £10,000, while those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are eligible for up to £25,000.