The Vale of Glamorgan Council has urged businesses in Penarth and across the Vale to apply for the financial support they are entitled to before time runs out.

Nearly 2,000 grants totalling more than £23 million have been issued by the Council to companies hit by the coronavirus crisis.

But it is feared many more eligible for such payments have not yet applied and may miss out as the Welsh Government deadline of June 30 is fast approaching.

Under the Business Rates Grant Scheme, properties in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors can receive financial assistance providing the business is normally open to the public.

Shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas, live music venues, hotels and others providing accommodation could be entitled to a £10,000 grant if they have a rateable value of £12,000 or less and a £25,000 grant if they have a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Education, said: "This is an extremely challenging period for businesses, with the coronavirus pandemic presenting a very real threat to many.

"But financial assistance is available and I would encourage all business owners to visit the Council website to view the range of support on offer.

"In many cases, businesses are entitled to grants, but a significant number have not yet applied and the window to do so is closing, with only a few weeks remaining."

In addition to these grants, the Council has also applied nearly £10 million of rate relief to some businesses meaning they will have no rates to pay this financial year.