Struggling business in Eastbourne receive government help

The scheme, which went live on Thursday April 9, will act as a lifeline to hundreds of businesses reeling from the impact of Covid-19.

The government-funded support scheme will see grants of between £10,000 or £25,000 given to eligible local businesses.

Council leader David Tutt said the grants would bring welcome relief to anxious business owners, and praised council officers for their amazing work.

He said, “Employers in our town are under immense pressure from the Covid-19 fall-out.

“This grant will give them a welcome breathing space as they plan for a new business, retail, hospitality and leisure world when we come out the other end of this terrible pandemic.

“Our officers have understood the importance of these grants and have worked late into the nights to set up the system and make it work.

“What a great team effort to help keep our town on its feet.”

Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell welcomed the government’s £21.5m coronavirus support for the town.

She said. “Many businesses, restaurants, shops and leisure outlets will be able to access lifeline funds through these grants and now have a fighting chance of coming through this present crisis.

“I am delighted the government has been able to make these payments happen and has moved at such pace. This is unprecedented support at a time of unprecedented challenge.”

The council website – www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/businessgrants – has a dedicated portal where SMEs can register.

For more information on business support during the coronavirus crisis visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

Updates and news are also being posted on Twitter - @LewesDC and @EastbourneBC

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.