Nearly £24million has been sent out to businesses in the Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth area within ten working days

Nearly £24million of payments have been sent out to businesses in the Warwick, Leamington and Kenilworth area within ten working days, to help them during the coronavirus pandemic.

This makes Warwick District Council amongst the fastest local authorities in the country to have processed applications for government grants to support local companies through the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to government figures received from the Department for Business Energy and Industry, Warwick District is in the top 15 per cent of councils, having administered and paid all of the claims received equating to 68 per cent of the eligible grant funds.

Jesse Berridge, who runs both The Larder and The Aviary in Leamington, said the council's fianance team, led by Mike Snow, has been 'fantastic, efficient and professional'.

She added: "A huge help at this time - allows us to take a breath and consider the way forward in such unprecedented times.

"As a family business running two locations in Leamington Spa - The Larder on Portland Street and The Aviary in Jephson Gardens

- it is so reassuring to know that we are always supported by our customers, the community and the authorities within the council.

"A huge thank you too to the council for continuing to ensure that the homeless have been given temporary housing, that our streets are clean, that our refuge is collected, that our parks and green spaces are continuing to be maintained and that it’s citizens feel safe and secure."

Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for finance, Cllr Richard Hales said: “I would like to thank the finance team for their tireless efforts to ensure that all eligible businesses in our district can take advantage of the support that is available to them.

"We know that our work is far from complete and are now in the process of contacting companies and individuals who have not yet applied.

"Our attention will then turn to the steps we can take to help our local economy to recover as quickly as possible after the lock down ends.”

Information about business support and grants can be found on the Warwick District Council's website - www.warwickdc.gov.uk