BLACKPOOL has been chosen to pilot a national programme to provide a better start in life for young children.

The Sure Start initiative hopes to boost the prospects of disadvantaged children under four years of age.

And local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong will visit Marton and Mereside's thriving community centre on Friday (February 4) to hear how millions of pounds of Government and European funds are being used in the project.

The Minister will meet local residents at the Bowness Avenue centre and view plans for the development to house the £2 million Sure Start initiative before heading the the Wintergardens to open the Labour Party's local government conference. And residents will also be given the chance to ask questions during the hour-long visit.

Council leader Ivan Taylor said: "Clifton Ward was one of the town's six most deprived areas.

"Unemployment is high and there are many young and lone parents supporting several children.

"However, the Marton and Mereside youth and community service is very active and the centre now accommodates a satellite service of Home Start - an initiative that's had a proven impact on the wellbeing of families on Grange Park and will be at the head of the Sure Start programme.

"This type of community activity is vital in seaside towns like Blackpool where a lot of people move to the town away from their family and friends and move around within the town before establishing any roots."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.