INDEPENDENT businesses in and around Malvern can claim thousands from the council to help their Covid recovery.

Businesses in Great Malvern, Malvern Link including Link Top, Barnards Green, Upton and Tenbury can apply for up to £1,500 in grants from Malvern Hills District Council.

These are designed to pay for shopfront improvements and security measures like CCTV.

Altogether 16 businesses have had applications approved in the first round of funding, of which nine have already received their money.

The council will pay up to £1,500 for a project with the business expected to match funding.

Cllr Daniel Walton, portfolio holder for economy and tourism on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “This grant has been a great success so far with so many businesses applying, the money is a really good opportunity for our independent traders to improve their shop fronts and security measures. It is also important to ensure we keep supporting the local economy.”

Freya Angharad, owner of Plancopy and Print Services in Malvern Link said: "The town centre support scheme grant allowed us to update our existing shop front windows to be much more energy efficient, secure and has made a positive visual impact on the outward appearance of the shop.

"I am extremely grateful for this grant and hope many others will take the opportunity and apply for it."

Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/grants for full details of the scheme and how to apply.