Apply for grants today, riot-hit businesses told

Businesses still suffering in the wake of the riots were today urged to apply for cash help from the £3 million High Street Fund.

The first grants will be awarded next week and anyone affected should make an application today.

Backed by Mayor Boris Johnson with a £500,000 injection, the fund offers immediate help to small and medium-size businesses affected by the violence.

Big companies including Barclays, BP, Capita, Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, RBS and Santander, together with local authorities in London, also contributed to the fund, which was inspired by the Standard's Save Our Shops campaign.

Sir William Castell, chairman of the fund, said: "I am calling on businesses that are suffering to get in touch and benefit from the money and expertise that this fund makes available to them.

"Any donation to the fund will assist an immediate relief effort that is urgently required. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Britain's biggest and best businesses come forward to help."

Up to 10,000 shops, banks, restaurants and other businesses suffered losses in the riots.

Mr Johnson said: "The businesses which were destroyed or damaged form the backbone of our communities. I urge any business owner affected to get online to see how they might qualify for an emergency grant."

Visit thehighstreetfund.co.uk