- 13/10/2020
- Posted by: Lesley Griffiths MS
- Category: News
Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd is encouraging town centre businesses to apply for a share of funding to help them cover the costs of implementing Covid-19 safety measures.
Lesley Griffiths MS recently took part in the latest virtual meeting of Wrexham’s Town Centre Forum where attendees were informed uptake of the funding has been relatively low thus far.
The Transforming Towns Thematic Covid-19 Grant has been provided by the Welsh Government and is administered by Wrexham Council. It enables businesses in Wrexham town centre to prepare and adapt to the Covid-19 regulations, ensuring alterations can take place so premises comply with social distancing requirements.
The fund can only be used to purchase fixed assets such as outdoor tables, chairs, canopies and heating devices.
Businesses can apply for a maximum of £2,000 or 80 per cent of the cost, depending on which is the lowest number.
Lesley Griffiths MS is keen for local businesses to take advantage of the funding on offer.
She said: “In spite the funding being available since the end of summer, only a handful of town centre businesses have successfully applied so far.”
“Unfortunately, coronavirus is not going away any time soon. We will all have to get used to living with Covid restrictions for a while yet so its vital businesses adapt.”
“The money is available now for businesses to make modifications. Safety is of paramount importance to people and demonstrating to customers that your business adheres to all the latest Covid-19 measures will inspire confidence and encourage visitors to the town centre.”
Ms Griffiths was also keen to inform members of the Town Centre Forum that the third phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund is due to launch the week commencing 26 October.
Up to £140 million is being made available to help Welsh businesses respond to the economic challenges of Covid-19.
She added: “The Economic Resilience Fund is unique to Wales and has already provided critical support to hundreds of Wrexham businesses, helping protect the livelihoods of many local residents.
“More information, including an Eligibility Checker, can be found on the Business Wales website and I urge local firms to take advantage of the latest phase, which is due to open to applications in approximately two weeks’ time.”
More information about the Transforming Towns Thematic Covid-19 Grant on Wrexham Council’s website
Further information about the Economic Resilience Fund is available on the Business Wales website
