Council chiefs in Maidstone are contacting businesses in key sectors to see if they are eligible for new off-grants from the government to help fight the challenges brought about by the Omicron variant of Covid.

Hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses are being approached by Maidstone Borough Council with eligible businesses able to claim up to £6,000 - a support package first announced last month.

Cllr Martin Round, chair of the economic, regeneration and leisure committee said: “I know of so many hospitality businesses that were really relying on Christmas to help increase their trade and unfortunately the growth in the Omicron variant put paid to this. Sadly, many customers had to cancel bookings leaving our pubs and restaurants in dire straits again. I hope that this new government grant will help, if only in a small way.

“We are using our database of contacts, however it has been some months since we last approached these businesses and we know things can move fast so we would really like to hear from anyone who thinks they might be eligible.”

Details of the new grant can be found on the local authority's website. While firms ineligible for the money but experiencing difficulties due to the pandemic are urged to contact its 'business boost' team to check what other support is available.

The deadline for applications for the new grant is February 28.

Other local authorities in the county will also have access to the funding. Firms should contact their local council for details.