BRADFORD Council is opening a new round of grant applications aimed at helping local firms who have been affected by rise of the Omicron variant.

The latest and final Additional Restrictions grant is designed to assist non-rate paying businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.

The grant will also support businesses within the hospitality supply chain, travel, and events and exhibitions, gyms and personal care.

The new money will be a boost in payments designed to provide a springboard for those businesses hardest hit with grants of up to £,6000 available for those in eligible sectors.

The council has already contacted previous applicants to the Local Restrictions Support Grant and the Additional Restrictions Grant who, it considers, may be eligible for additional support.

The authority is asking local firms to check their inboxes and spam folder for emails coming from ARG@Bradford.gov.uk.

Those who have received a notification from the council should not apply again.

Applications for the new grant opened yesterday and close at midnight Thursday February 24.

For full guidance on eligibility and details of how to apply visit www.bradford.gov.uk/business/business-rates/business-grants-additional-restrictions-grant/