Deprived areas each win £1m boost

Woodlands, in Doncaster, and Thurnscoe, near Barnsley, are two of 50 needy areas across England set to be given 1m by the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) as part of its Big Local Trust programme.

The targeted neighbourhoods have been chosen after what BIG described as "extensive analysis and discussion" and said to be places which "face many social obstacles and a history of difficulty in obtaining resources".

Independent charitable trusts will be set up to run the programme and Vanessa White, BIG's head of region for Yorkshire said it was vital local people came forward to direct funding to worthy recipients.

She added: "The Big Local Trust is a dedicated Lottery funding stream to help people in neighbourhoods such as Woodlands and Thurnscoe to identify local issues and to develop the skills and confidence necessary to change things for the better.

"We hope that by securing funding for the long-term and by offering a commitment to providing dedicated local support, the Big Local Trust will bring lasting positive changes to Woodlands and Thurnscoe and their residents."

Yesterday, local representatives in Doncaster welcomed the

announcement. Coun Cynthia Ransome the authority's cabinet member for local communities said: "This is good news for people in the Woodlands area."

"I welcome this money from the Big Lottery Fund and hope it will lead to improvements for local people."

Local councillor Ted Kitchen added: "I am delighted to hear that Woodlands will be getting a million pounds worth of funding. The people of Woodlands will be very grateful for the money and it is fantastic to see such a big investment in the North Doncaster area."

Anyone who wants to get involved should contact BIG by August 12 on 08454 102030.