BUSINESSES affected by the coronavirus crisis have until Monday to apply for financial support.

Braintree Council has extended the deadline for its grant scheme application process to ensure firms in the district sign up.

Grants between £2,000 and £25,000 are available to to help businesses with premises related costs such as rental costs.

Those wishing to apply must provide proof of a significant fall in income since the pandemic began.

Businesses who have already applied or received support cannot submit a new application.

Braintree Council's economic boss Tom Cunningham said: "We know that this is an extremely challenging time for businesses which is why we want to give them every opportunity to come forward and make their claim.

"We urge any business that believes it is eligible, but has yet to contact us, to make themselves known as soon as possible so as not to miss out.

"These are grants, not loans, and the money allocated will not have to be paid back."

Applications need to be in before 5pm on Monday.

Visit braintree.gov.uk/coronavirus to