A grant scheme to provide hospitality and leisure businesses in Maldon hit by Omicron with Government funding has now opened for applications.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is being administered by Maldon District Council to support hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses which have been impacted by the Omicron variant of Covid.

The scheme aims to recognise the impact of the surge of Omicron on businesses, which have seen a decline in footfall and increased cancellations from customers.

Eligible businesses will receive a one-off grant of up to £6,000, depending on the rateable value of their premises.

A spokesperson for the district council said: "I am pleased that businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector will be able to apply for financial support to help with the impact of the Omicron variant.

"This funding is vital for our local economy, and we will continue to process applications efficiently in order to distribute the funding to businesses."

General eligibility requirements for the grant are that the business is in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors, it offers in-person services and its main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises.

Applications close on Sunday, 13 February.

You can apply here.