RESIDENTS in Pendle are being encouraged to have their say on how a possible £4.5m of funding could help children under four and their families.

Pendle Council has brought together a wide range of agencies and organisations in a bid to bring the cash to the borough during the next three years under the Government's Sure Start programme.

Funding has already been secured for a Sure Start programme in Whitefield and Bradley wards in Nelson that is currently based at premises on the Lomeshaye Industrial Estate and the government is now making further funding available.

The council and other agencies are bidding for funding to establish a Sure Start programme in the Vivary Bridge and

Waterside wards in Colne and Marsden ward in Nelson.

Each Sure Start programme varies according to local needs but the core services include outreach and home visiting by health visitors, the provision of play, learning and child care facilities, additional health and advice services geared to

improving child health, as well as support for families and parents including those with children with

special needs that may need access to specialised services.

A major consultation exercise will be conducted with residents in the three wards shortly before a detailed bid for the funds will be submitted next May.

Up to a maximum of £750,000 is available for each of the three years and funding at similar levels may even be extended to five years. A further £750,000 will be available to spend on premises and facilities.

The organisations and agencies involved in the bid include Lancashire County Council's Education and Social Services Department, East Lancashire Health Authority, Burnley Healthcare Trust, Pendle Primary Care Group, Homestart Pendle, Walton Lane Nursery School, The Rocking Horse Club, and Pendle Leisure Trust.

Brian Astin, the council's Corporate Policy Manager, said 800 children could benefit.