Don’t miss out on grants
New one-off grants are now available for eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors – so make sure you get the money you’re entitled to.
The Chancellor announced the Restart Grant in the budget last month to help those businesses forced to close during the third lockdown.
The grant will give a much-needed boost to the sector and help support the recovery of the High Street.
The one-off payment replaces the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) and grants are determined by business sector and rateable value.
We’ve contacted all ‘rated’ businesses that have historically been paid an LRSG grant with instructions on how to apply for the new Restart Grant.
An online form is also available for those that didn’t get the LRSG grant previously.
Contact our business helpline on 01934 888 114 for help navigating the grants available, or email businessgrants@n-somerset.gov.uk
Council services now open
Leisure centres
You can now work up a sweat or go for a swim at one of our local leisure centres in North Somerset.
Visitors have returned to Hutton Moor in Weston-super-Mare, Scotch Horn in Nailsea, Parish Wharf at Portishead and Strode in Clevedon.
Backwell will reopen shortly so keep an eye on the leisure centre website for updates.
Much-needed repairs have been carried out at the centres to ensure they were ready for reopening.
At Strode, the changing rooms have been improved, poolside tiles replaced, structural work carried out and new boilers installed.
Backwell has been closed for a year while extensive roof repairs and internal heating works have been carried out.
Churchill Sports Centre hasn’t reopened because our contract with operators GLL has ended. We’re continuing to explore options for a sustainable future and find the best way forward.
Leisure centres play a vital role in improving people’s health and wellbeing but the pandemic has been a particularly challenging time for the sector.
We secured £470,000 from the National Leisure Recovery Fund to support our two leisure contractors while the centres were closed during the third lockdown, and we also gave financial assistance during last year’s lockdown.
Libraries
Libraries in North Somerset are now open for you to browse and borrow books and other items.
Libraries play a key role to play in local communities and they will help contribute to the social and cultural recovery from the pandemic.
Just remember the safety measures when you visit – sanitise your hands, cover your face and keep two metres away from others.
Opening hours may be restricted so check online before visiting.
The mobile library has also re-started its normal timetable.
If you don’t want to step inside a building, the non-contact click and collect service is still available, along with e-books, audio books, and e-magazines through the online service.
