BUSINESSES reopening across Hillingdon this week are being offered help by the council. To ease the process, it is:

  • offering free pavement licences for 12 months to accommodate outdoor customer seating areas at cafes, restaurants and pubs.
  • relaxing some rules on licensing applications such as no longer requiring to present original documents. These will be checked after the licence is granted
  • suspending pre-application inspections. These will be booked after the licence is granted
  • allowing licence fees to be paid in instalments
  • allowing a period of grace for payment of annual fees

Full details at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/support-for-businesses.

Traders can also register their on the council’s online business directory at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/businessdirectory

Cllr Lavery, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and it is only right we make it as easy as possible for them to open their doors again.”

A plan is also being developed for a programme of summer events in many high streets, including markets, children’s attractions, floral displays and street entertainment.

The borough is also putting together a plan with the police to look into screening sports events outdoors.