£1m boost for Tang Hall and Selby (From York Press)

£1m boost for Tang Hall and Selby

9:40am Tuesday 11th December 2012 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

Aerial view of Tang Hall, York

RESIDENTS in part of York and in Selby are each being handed a million pounds in lottery cash to help them improve their local communities.

The money will be provided over ten years by the Big Lottery Fund to pay for projects and services to benefit Tang Hall and Selby.

Residents will be expected to come together to use the funding for anything from training and employment schemes to tackling antisocial behaviour, creating new community facilities or providing more activities for young people.

Organisers say the scheme targets people in areas that are typically overlooked by external funders and will give them a chance to create a positive legacy for future generations.

City of York Council said in Tang Hall, ward action plans are already in place in Heworth and Hull Road, as well as the council partner-run Tang Hall advice hub, which offers support with debt and money advice, training and jobs.

“Alongside these, the local community – which encompasses the Heworth and Tang Hall Residents’ Associations – will identify further need and build capacity to commission or deliver support themselves,” said a spokeswoman.

Coun Dafydd Williams, cabinet member for communities, said it was “brilliant” Tang Hall had been chosen to be part of the Big Local programme.

“This project is not just about the money,” he said.

“Residents will receive training and support to help them identify priorities and develop a plan for their area. Through this, we can bring together all the local talent, ambitions, skills and energy from individuals, groups and organisations who want to make a positive and lasting difference in their communities.”

Nat Sloane, Big Lottery Fund’s England Chair, said: “These areas have for many years been overlooked and have missed out on vital funding and resources – they have people who are high on aspiration but until now have been low on opportunity.

“Through our long-term funding, commitment, training and support over at least the next ten years, we will redress that balance; giving them the power, confidence and ability to spend this funding in the ways that matter most to their community.”

Selby District Council said the “massive injection of cash will do wonders to unlock the potential of the town”.

A spokesman said: “It’s particularly encouraging that the use of this money will be directed by the community itself; it’s a real opportunity for people to shape their environment by concentrating on projects which matter most to them.

“Selby’s a great place to live and very much ‘on the up’. This cash injection will allow local people to deliver a real boost to the town and its economy – which will have a long-term benefit for everyone.”