THE Luneside area of Lancaster is to be given a £5 million cash boost over the next seven years, it was announced today.

The massive Government handout is part of a Single Regeneration Budget designed to improve depressed areas.

The first grant will amount to £165,000 and the rest will be paid in stages to the city council over the next seven years. The cash was originally earmarked to be spent on attracting businesses and jobs to the Marsh, Ryelands and other Lancaster council estates.

The council have reportedly spent £20,000 on examining the possibility of redeveloping disused and contaminated land between Long Marsh Lane and the Quay.

But deputy leader of the largest group on the council, Cllr Geoff Wilson, said councillors are still considering a number of options. He commented: "We will certainly be keeping our options open on this. There's a whole range of things we could do and we'll be working closely with the public to make sure the money is spent wisely."

Marsh resident and community campaigner, Wayne Brennand, said he would wait and see how the money was spent before he cracked open the champagne. He argued: "We don't want businesses to come here and do a bit of work by employing Marsh people so they can claim government cash and then leave without trace."

New chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, Adrian Wilkinson, was enthusiastic about the breakthrough. He said: "It may take time but our area can't do anything but benefit from a cash injection of this size."

MP Hilton Dawson has lobbied the government for the grant for a long time. He enthused: "I'll wait for the official announcement but if this is correct it's excellent news.

"It will help eradicate unemployment and poverty in our city."

Deputy leader of the Labour group, Cllr Ian Barker, added: "It will bring derelict land back into use on Luneside, it will give new training and employment opportunities for people living in Skerton, Bulk and Castle wards, it will help with the fight against crime and will improve the environment."

Castle Ward councillor Dr Jon Barry added: "Let's just hope this golden opportunity is fully realised."

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