It has been revealed that businesses in the city's Southside area submitted four times as many applications as any other in the city after the deadline passed for city centre businesses to register for grants from Birmingham City Council to repair their premises following the August 2011 riots.

Over 40 businesses have benefitted from the scheme, which as well as covering the cost of repairs has also enabled local proprietors to pay for new security measures to prevent instances of crime in the future.

Saint Salons on Inge Street is one of the businesses to have benefitted from the grants. Rioters attempted to break in and, although they did not gain access, managed to smash the salon's front window. Since being successful in their application for a grant, the owners have been able to replace the window and install new security shutters to prevent future damage.

Southside businesses were encouraged to apply for the funds by Southside BID manager Julia Chance, who said: "Businesses all over the city centre were affected by the riots, and I'm pleased to see Southside businesses making the most of the money available to rebuild their businesses and make them stronger and safer for the future.

"We want people to know that Southside is a friendly part of the city centre that is taking positive steps to remain a safe and enjoyable place to visit."

Matthew Neal at Saint Salons said: "The results of the riots last year were devastating to many local businesses but the support offered by the BID has made a tremendous difference. Now we've entered 2012 we're keen not to look back but instead begin looking forward to a bright future for our business."