BURNLEY Antony Higginbotham MP has written to all small and medium-sized business owners with over 15 employees in the borough about government aid during the Coronavirus crisis.

Included in the letter was an outline of the measures being provided by the Treasury along with how to access them.

Mr Higginbotham said: “I have spoken to a number of businesses over the last few weeks as we manage our way through this period and I know it is a difficult time.

"I also know that most businesses want to continue to support Burnley and all the residents who rely on them.

"That is why both I and the government has been clear that whilst our overriding priority should be to protect lives we also need to protect the economy, shielding it from this crisis as best we can.

"The package of measures announced, including the Job Retention Scheme that will reimburse employers for wages, business rate relief of 100 per cent and grants of up to £25,000 will make a real difference.

"If anyone is unclear on the support available, please contact me. I am here to support you, so that you in turn can support the people of Burnley by keeping their jobs going.”