Further funding support to provide a lifeline for struggling businesses in Largs, Millport and West Kilbride is set to launch.

Councillors are set to approve the proposals to support businesses that may have fallen through the gaps of support made available through existing Scottish Government schemes.

It is proposed that the North Ayrshire Local Authority Discretionary Fund will provide a payment of £2,000 per business to support immediate financial hardship.

The council has agreed to support businesses that supply goods or services to those who have been closed or restricted

Businesses facing hardship as an indirect consequence of the current restrictions but have not been eligible to receive financial support through the Strategic Framework Business Fund can also apply.

Businesses who do not have business premises and are therefore ineligible for grants attached to the rates system will also be eligible.

Councillor Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “Our business team has done an amazing job of processing hundreds of applications to help support local business during these difficult last few months.

“We would urge any business to please keep an eye on our social media channels and to apply for this new fund if you believe you are eligible.”

The newfund was announced in November as part of a £185 million national package of additional business support in response to the continued impact of COVID on the economy,

North Ayrshire Council has been given an allocation of £461,793 which is set to be doubled when the Scottish Government announce their budget in the coming weeks.