Thousands of pounds will be offered to businesses affected by a devastating hotel fire.
A grant scheme has already been launched for businesses affected by the blaze which ripped through The Angel Inn in Midhurst in March. The fire meant North Street had to be closed.
Now more businesses will be able to benefit from the council-backed scheme which aims to get the town back on its feet.
Chichester district councillor Harsha Desai, cabinet member for growth, said: “The grants scheme has already made a big difference to many businesses in Midhurst.
“The majority of businesses are using their grants to increase their marketing activities but we’re aware that the funding is also being used in a variety of other ways, including to purchase new equipment and to support projects such as website improvements.
“Using this feedback, we have decided to update and expand the grant scheme to make sure that it is available to each of the businesses that have been affected.”
The grant scheme was launched in April and has now been extended to benefit a wider number of businesses.
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A supplementary grant has also been set up for hospitality businesses who have been more affected by the fire, the council said.
The Angel Inn was ravaged by flames in the early hours of the morning with multiple fire engines trying to save the listed hotel.
The hotel had been hosting a number of Ukrainian refugees when it caught fire on March 16.
Chichester MP Gillian Keegan had shared her concerns over the economic impact on the town, inviting businesses to share how the fire has affected them.
She said: “The number one concern from the businesses responding is unsurprisingly income, with many now taking home around half of what they would normally expect at the end of the week.”
Ms Keegan says she is now seeking emergency funding from Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove to help the businesses most in need.
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