Lewisham High Street during the riots last year pic: flickr user Stuart Bannocks

At least 24 businesses in Lewisham will benefit from a council grant of £78,000 to fund regeneration following last summer’s riots, it was revealed today.

The fund is mainly aimed at helping small independent businesses in the borough, which were directly damaged in the disorder. The Lewisham Business Recovery Fund is managed by the Council’s Economic development service. In total, 31 businesses applied for the money.

The council has also helped traders of four major markets in the borough by returning a week’s rent to help pay off damages. These markets were largely affected due to early closure during August 2011.

The scheme was supported by central government and GLA. Three of the beneficiaries of the scheme received grants of up to £2,000, and two other businesses received as much as £10,000.

Sydenham’s Home Park adventure playground, which was burned down during the riots, will be reconstructed by later this month.

In total, close to 70 locations in Lewisham faced serious trouble due to riots on 8 August 2011.