BUSINESSES in Burnley seeking government grants to cover the cost of the coronavirus crisis have been told they have less than two weeks to apply for support through the council.

The government has announced that the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund will all close August 28

So far Burnley Council has processed and paid out £22,486,286 of grants .

Now the local authority's chief executive Mick Cartledge has told borough businesses which haven’t made a claim to check their eligibility and apply before Sunday August 16.

Criteria for the grants have widened and the maximum eligible rateable value has increased to £100,000 from £51,000.

Mr Cartledge said: “Businesses in our town have shown great resilience during this Covid-19 crisis and we applaud everyone for their hard work during what has been a difficult time for many in Burnley.

"The three government grants have been a lifeline for many businesses. In total, over 2,000 businesses have received some form of funding.

“We want to ensure that as many eligible businesses as possible benefit."