Howzat? Local businesses now sharing £14m in C-19 grants

Companies across Bury are starting to receive £14.3 million in coronavirus grant support – and there are still more who are entitled to help.

The council has administered payments of £10k and £25k to 1,157 Bury businesses, and is keen to hear from firms who have not yet been contacted and could be eligible for financial help.

One of the first to receive a grant was Prestwich Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club.

Brian Lorenzini, club chairman, said: “With around 600 members including 350 juniors, we’re an important part of the community and enjoy partnerships with several local schools who use our facilities free of charge regularly.

“Our main income streams are membership fees and sponsorship, and our bar, which of course are all currently shut down. We applied for a Government grant, as announced by the Chancellor, with the process managed locally by Bury Council.

“Bury provided excellent advice on the protocols and procedures that were required on their website. We formally applied on 1 April and our application for support was accepted and the funds arrived by BACS transfer four days later.

“On behalf of my club I want to say thank you to both Bury Council and the Government for their fantastic support. The process was managed professionally and the funds will massively help to keep us going through a very difficult period.”

Prestwich councillor Eamonn O’Brien, cabinet member for finance and housing, said: “Prestwich CC is a very important part of the community, and does a fantastic job to promote sport and wellbeing.

“Like all sports clubs, they’ve been hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown and the need for social distancing. I’m delighted that our staff have been able to process their grant so quickly, which will hopefully give the club some vital relief at this unprecedented time.

“We will do all we can to support local businesses to keep going and retain their staff, so that they can emerge from this crisis in good shape to prosper once more. We are working through all the applications, aiming to process payments within two weeks of receiving them.

“Please see the advice on our website, and get in touch with us if you have not already been contacted about the help available.”

Press release issued: 15 April 2020.