BUSINESSES could benefit from a grant pot of over £12,000 which is available until the end of March.

Pendle Council is urging business owners in Colne and Earby to take advantage of the funding pot by applying for a share.

Leader of the council, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, said: "This grant money is designed to help boost town centre businesses.

"In the last year we set aside a pot of money for each area totalling over £40,000 and 11 businesses across Pendle have had grants.

"There is still some left in the Colne grants fund and £2,600 left in the Earby pot, whilst there is very little left in other town pots, as they have already been allocated.

“So we are urging Colne and Earby businesses to hurry and make the most of this pot before the end of the financial year.

“The work can then be carried out during 2020."

Mike Williams, from the council's economic development team, said the money can be put towards new shop fronts and windows, as well as signs and painting if part of a bigger scheme.

Businesses can also apply for a grant towards the cost of stone cleaning and the creation of outside seating areas for cafes, restaurants and bars, including the railings around outdoor areas.

Cllr Iqbal added: "These grants make a big difference to individual businesses and improve the look of our town centres as a whole.

"They have been used to tackle empty shops and businesses and bring them back into use."

The grants can cover up to half of the agreed costs, with a maximum grant of £3,000.