After just one week, one council has dished out more than £500,000 to support its local traders.

Since launching its Local Restrictions Support Grant last week, Copeland Borough Council has handed over a share of the impressive sum to 338 businesses across the borough – and is the first council within Cumbria to do so.

The scheme is available to traders forced to close under current lockdown restrictions, and the council is proud to be paying grants to businesses before applications have even opened elsewhere in the county.

And Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie couldn't be more pleased, and said: "This is a phenomenal performance from our team.

"From receiving the Government guidance, to implementing an application process and launching the scheme and then, crucially, getting the money directly into businesses’ accounts – all has been done within the space of only a few days."

And while many have already taken advantage of the grant, there are still hundreds more eligible for support, and Mr Starkie is encouraging everyone to apply.

“I am proud to say that our business community is receiving the best possible service from Copeland Council, and the testimonies we’ve had from businesspeople shows the level of appreciation," he said.

“To the businesses who have not yet applied, please visit our website and start the process."

"Our team is here to assist you every step of the way.”

Eligible businesses include those forced to shut their doors during the second national lockdown, such as non-essential stores, those offering leisure, personal care, sports facilities, as well as the hospitality industry.

A single grant offered through the scheme can cover a four-week period, with a fixed amount given to each eligible business.

For example, businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under will receive £1,334, those between £15,000 and £51,000 will receive £2,000, and those above £51,000 will receive £3,000.

Establishments with more than one qualifying property are eligible to be given more than one grant under the scheme.

To be considered eligible, businesses must be based in Copeland, and have been; open as usual before lockdown restrictions were put in-place; providing services in person to customers from the premises; required to close due to Government-imposed restrictions; and paying business rates for the premises before lockdown began.

Traders operating a click-and-collect system are still able to apply.

Businesses that received grants throughout the first lockdown period are also being offered a fast-track service, in a bid to ensure they receive the much-needed funding without delay.

To find out more information, including how to apply for the Local Restrictions Support Grant, or an Additional Restrictions Grant, visit the Copeland Borough Council website at www.copeland.gov.uk/coronavirus-resources-business.

n What do you think of the grant? Have you received priceless help from the council, or the Copeland community, during lockdown? Let us know at letters.wn@cnmedia.co.uk