NEW figures show that businesses across the Keighley parliamentary constituency – which includes Ilkley – have benefited from £75.3 million worth of Government-backed loans since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.

The total includes 1,787 Bounce Back loans – which are interest-free for the first 12 months – worth £52.8 million.

And 84 loans, together valued at £22.6 million, have been provided through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme.

Across the Yorkshire and Humber region, the figures show that Government loans totalling over £3.5 billion have been handed out.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore said: “Nobody could have predicted the challenges that 2020 has presented.

“I have met with businesses across Keighley and Ilkley who have been doing all they can to ride out the storm.

“To make conditions easier and protect jobs, our government has provided unprecedented levels of support for firms and their employees.”