The Vale of Glamorgan Council has processed nearly £18 million worth of payments to businesses hit by the Coronavirus outbreak.

Many companies are facing financial difficulties after the crisis forced them to close for an indefinite period.

But support has been made available during this challenging spell, with the Council issuing around 1,500 grants over the last few weeks.

Under the Business Rates Grant Scheme, properties in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors are eligible for 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 £25,000 grant if they have a rateable value of between £12,001 and £51,000.

And there is also a £10,000 grant available for businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or less, which are also eligible for small business rates relief.

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.

There is a range of other support and advice available to businesses on the Council website.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Council Member for Education and Regeneration, said: "This is a difficult time for everyone as we all adjust to the huge impact Coronavirus is having on our lives.

"But it has been a particularly testing period for businesses, with the current restrictions presenting a very real threat to many.

"Information on a range of support is available on the Council website and our finance team have been busy issuing much-needed grants, which we hope will help businesses negotiate the current uncertainty.

"I would urge all those who haven't already applied for a grant to visit the website to find out what assistance they are entitled to."