Notts businesses paid over £3 million for tram extension

Businesses affected by the recent extensions to Chilwell and Beeston were offered financial assistance by the councils. Credit: ITV News Central

Two councils paid out a total of nearly £3.5m to 128 businesses affected by the construction of Nottingham’s expanded tram network, it has been revealed.

Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council agreed multiple financial packages to support traders hit by tram works: the Financial Assistance Package, the Exceptional Disturbance Allowance and a separate hardship fund.

In total, the city council’s contribution was just under £2m – which includes payments to businesses in Beeston and on Chilwell Road - while the county council paid £1,234,959 to affected businesses.

Meanwhile, both authorities contributed £100,000 each to a separate hardship fund, which was designed for traders “experiencing particular financial difficulties during the construction period”.

A city council spokeswoman said a total of 128 businesses across the network benefitted from the payments.

Meanwhile, 22 businesses have received money from a separate hardship fund.

The extended network to park and ride sites in Toton and Clifton added 17.5km of new track and 28 new stops.

In addition, plans have been drawn up for a dedicated entrance into the Queen’s Medical Centre from the hospital’s tram platform.