An environmental grant scheme to help small businesses in Kirklees has been hailed a great success.

A grant of up to £8,000 was made available, subject to the business providing 50 per cent match funding, to help them improve energy efficiency and reduce their waste to landfill.

The scheme also sought to stimulate the local economy by encouraging businesses, where possible, to invest in the Kirklees economy, by using Kirklees contractors and installers.

A total of 30 Kirklees businesses took part receiving a grant averaging £5,961.The businesses were able to benefit through reduced energy costs or reduced waste to landfill totalling approximately £115,000 a year.

This has reduced CO2 emissions in the district by 645 tonnes.