BLACK Country outdoor market traders hit by the coronavirus lockdown can now apply for a share of £100k in business grants to help them get back on their feet. 

The cash is being offered by Sandwell Council using unclaimed government grants set up  to help local businesses.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet is being recommended to approve the scheme, which is open to market traders and lease holders who were unsuccessful when applying for support in June.

The cash injection is part of the government’s Discretionary Business Grant (DGS).

Market traders selling non-essential items reopened  their businesses in June but many open-air stallholders complained they hadn’t received any financial support during the lockdown.

Their disappointment turned to anger when Sandwell Council announced rents would return to their pre-Covid levels by August along with  a two per cent increase.

The rise led to a ‘come-see-for-yourself’ challenge to senior councillors so they could hear from traders of the impact of coronavirus.

Council bosses are now asking Sandwell’s cabinet to extend the time limit for grants saying: “In order to maximise support to Sandwell businesses and utilise the funding available it is proposed that the DBG scheme is broadened to target two business categories – outdoor market traders and Sandwell lease holders. 

“Both business categories already financially transact with the council and will therefore enable grant awards to be made swiftly and ensure compliance with the time scales.”

A report to this week’s cabinet shows the authority has paid out £2,260,000 from the scheme to 285 businesses in the borough.

Councillors will discuss the recommendation at their meeting on Thursday (August 27).