COMMUNITY groups in Whitefield and Unsworth will be £5,000 better off, thanks to Bury Council.

Each area board will be able to distribute the cash to deserving groups as part of the kickstart funding for this financial year.

Whitefield and Unsworth will be one of the first area boards to break the news at their meeting next week, on Tuesday, April 20.

The meeting will be held at Ribble Drive Primary School at 7pm and other items on the agenda include presentations from Bury Primary Care Trust and the Bury Local Strategic Partnership.

Inspector David Jones, head of Prestwich and Whitefield Township, will also be present to give an update on crime and disorder in the area and there will be a report from the youth service.

Residents are welcome to attend the meeting and there will be 45 minutes set aside for open forum when people can have their say on issues of their choice.

Chairman of the area board, Coun Alan Matthews, said of the £5,000 kickstart grant: "We are delighted at this news because it means the area board can continue to support new community groups and activities. Last year we supported a range of activities from home watch signs, furniture for a community centre, older ladies keep fit group, community fun days and youth activities."

Coun Matthews appealed for anyone with ideas on how they could be helped by the kickstart grant to get in touch.

An application pack can be obtained from area co-ordinator Rose De on 253 7344 or email r.h.de@bury.gov.uk