THE regeneration of some of the North West's more deprived areas will be made easier with the launch of a new website aimed at providing information on regeneration funding for potential developers.

"Bridging the Gap" is a joint initiative between the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and John Prescott's Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) giving property developers easy access to online information on the role of Gap funding from the state, an incentive to developers to build in areas earmarked for regeneration, and the criteria for qualification.

A new website Bridging The Gap, highlights the approvals the Government has recently obtained from the European Union to aid

regeneration and the ways in which funding can be secured.

The approvals for funding enable public sector money to be used to support developers in a range of regeneration projects. The website takes developers on a step-by-step guide through the process, which will enable them to check quickly if they qualify for aid under the current rules.

RICS North West regional director Guy Lawson said: "In the past many projects, which would not meet the criteria for funding were submitted, only to be rejected. This often delayed funding for more suitable projects.

"Using the website and leaflet, developers can now very quickly check to see if a project they are working on will meet the requirements for funding before applying. This will reduce the load on the system, prevent time being wasted, and greatly speed up the overall process, to the benefit of everyone."