North West Leicestershire District Council says it is embarking on the 'huge task' of contacting 1,400 small businesses in the Coalville and Ashby area to set up grants during the Coronavirus crisis.

And the Council has urged business owners to be patient while the painstaking work is carried out - involving contacting them individually.

The Council said: "We have lots of business grants to pay and our priority is getting the money out to our 1,400 small businesses in the district first.

"Frustratingly – as small businesses don't pay business rates – we are going through the process of contacting each business to get bank details and other information.

"It's a huge task – mainly being done by phone, but letters will follow to those we can't get hold of.

"Please bear with us – our teams are working as fast as they can!

We now have a dedicated webpage for employers, employees and businesses with helpful information that is being updated regularly Coronavirus business support

The Government also has its own webpage for employers and businesses Coronavirus guidance

North West Leicestershire's dedicated Coronavirus page can be found here Information for North West Leicestershire communities