SMALL businesses in Feckenham and Astwood Bank are celebrating this week after a change in the law.

The villages have been included as part of the rural rate relief scheme published by the Government.

A mandatory relief of 50 per cent has been put in place for small shops, post offices and food shops if the rateable value of the premises is below £6,000.

And the 50 per cent relief also applies to businesses such as petrol stations and pubs if the rateable value is £9,000 or lower.

But businesses which can show they are beneficial to the community and the rateable value is £12,000 or lower can apply for discretionary relief.

For more details, call 534020.