IPSWICH: One of the most deprived areas of Ipswich has today been handed a �1 million boost from the Big Lottery Fund.

At least �1 million of good cause funding is to flow into Whitehouse and Whitton in Ipswich, as the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) announces the first 50 areas across England to benefit from its Big Local Trust programme.

BIG is investing up to �200 million over the next ten years to help turn up to 150 urban and rural neighbourhoods into better places for everyone to live.

Sarah Betsworth Big Lottery Fund Head of East of England region said: “The Big Local Trust is a dedicated Lottery funding stream to help people in neighbourhoods such as Whitehouse and Whitton 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 Whitehouse and Whitton and its residents.”

An independent charitable trust will be set up to run the programme and today BIG is calling for expressions of interest from organisations who wish to apply to run the Trust. Organisations interested in becoming a Trustee are being asked to contact BIG by Thursday 12 August 2010.

In the meantime BIG will be working with a wide range of local organisations in each of the first 50 neighbourhoods. At least 50 more areas across England will be selected by BIG in the next 12 to 18 months to benefit from the programme.

Nadia Cenci, borough communities spokeswoman said: “This is excellent news and it is important that local people are having a huge say in where the investment will go.

“After all, these are their communities. It is also good that this is a long-term commitment and we are hoping that real improvements will have a lasting impact in Whitton and Whitehouse.

“We shall find out more over the coming months about how residents and community groups can get involved but the important thing is that they do take advantage of it, and the Council and is partners will do all we can to ensure their participation is encouraged and their voice heard.”