Businesses damaged during the Battersea riots can apply for a restoration grant of up to £2,000 - and get the cash within days.

The Wandsworth Council scheme aims to provide small businesses with temporary financial support to repair shops while waiting for insurance settlements.

Uninsured businesses can also apply for the grant.

Council leader Councillor Ravi Govindia said the authority is determined to help traders get back of their feet as soon as possible.

Ocean Hair salon, in Lavender Hill, was offered a £2,000 loan on Friday, August 19.

All of Wandsworth’s riot hit businesses can also apply for council grants and loans up to the value of £15,000 - but the approval process will take longer to complete for applications above the £2,000 threshold.

Once deatils of the Government's support package are finalised, council officers will help local firms to access this support as well.

The council has also been helping local firms by offering a business rates ‘payment holiday’ to affected businesses and ensuring fire damaged premises are removed from the rating list by the Valuation Office. For more information about the grant and loan scheme contact John Ruske on 020 8871 7031 or jruske@wandsworth.gov.uk.

For business rate enquiries call 020 7378 5941 or email brates@wandsworth.gov.uk.