APPLICATIONS are now open for the Local Restrictions Support Grant.

Copeland Borough Council is fielding applications from its part of west Cumbria to support businesses that are required to close under lockdown restrictions.

A single grant covering a four-week period will be paid to each business, and those with more than one qualifying property can receive more than one grant.

Applications should be submitted by the person who, according to the bill authority’s records, is the ratepayer.

To qualify, businesses must have been open as usual before the second lockdown began, required to close due to the restrictions and providing services to customers in person from the premises.

Businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under on November 5 will receive £1,334 per 28-day qualifying restriction period. Visit the council's website copeland.gov.uk to find out more.