INDEPENDENT businesses in Dovercourt Bay and Harwich could claim their share of a council grant as part of a new scheme.

Tendring District Council has allocated £20,000 for the scheme designed to support independent businesses.

The money will be available to all independent businesses in Dovercourt Bay and Harwich, including shops, restaurants and cafes.

The business’ location must be located within the red line boundaries shown on the Harwich map here and the Dovercourt Bay map here.

Under the scheme, businesses can apply for funding of between £100 and £2,000, matched by the business itself on a 50:50 basis.

Payment by the council will be made in arrears on the satisfactory completion of all agreed works.

The scheme can support internal and external fittings, shop windows, counters, lighting and more.

The application form and all further detail can be requested from business.advice@tendringdc.gov.uk.