Grants & loans for up to £15,000 will be available after recent public disorder

Council leader Ravi Govindia said the council will do everything it can to help traders raise the finance they need to repair their premises while they wait for the outcome of their insurance claims.

Businesses in the borough’s town centres are eligible to apply for grants and loans from the council’s Town Centre Improvement Scheme.   The Town Centre Improvement Scheme provides loans and grants to businesses to refurbish and improve their premises. It is designed to make a difference to the business and add value to the property as well as improving the local area.

The scheme focuses on the five town centres of Balham, Clapham Junction, Putney, Tooting and Wandsworth and also parts of East Battersea, the Mitcham Lane area, Roehampton and Tooting Bec.

Councillors are set to extend eligibility to all shop and business which suffered criminal damage over the last few days.

Cllr Govindia said:
“We will do everything in our power to help our local businesses repair the damage they’ve suffered as quickly as possible. A grant or loan from the council could mean local traders can get back on their feet much sooner and we plan to extend the scheme so every shop which came under attack can apply.

“While many of our businesses have suffered badly over the last few days I am heartened to report that the atmosphere in our town centres is very positive and for the vast majority of our shops it is business as usual.

“In Clapham Junction, our worst hit area, local residents started arriving at the scene to help clean up within just a few hours of the looting. It has been an inspiring reaction from the community and I wish to thank the hundreds of people who took part and the thousands more who gave messages of support.

“We can all do our bit to help over the coming weeks by making sure we visit our town centres and use our local shops.”

The council has also begun identifying those shops which could be eligible for a business rates exemption or reduction from the Valuation Office Agency. Officers will offer advice to local firms on whether they are eligible and will assist traders in making a claim.

August 17, 2011