MILLIONS could be pumped into some of Preston's most deprived areas if Lancashire County Council is successful in its bid for much-needed Euro cash.

County council chiefs want 11 wards in Preston to be given Objective Two status, entitling them to millions of pounds of European cash.

Other areas of Lancashire have already benefited from the money, which is used to improve living standards and help slash unemployment levels.

Three of the wards in Preston are among the most deprived in the country - Avenham, Central and Ribbleton. Some of the wards also suffer from high levels of crime.

County Councillor Frank McKenna, pictured, Lancashire's deputy leader, said it was vital that Preston benefits.

He said: "There are some very deprived areas of Preston and we have chosen the wards which meet the strict criteria the EU sets down in terms of eligibility.

"Ultimately this will benefit everyone as the cash can be used to improve living standards and help get people back to work.

"The latter is very important because this area depends heavily on the defence industry, which is currently going through a period of transformation and rationalisation.

"The cash can be used to help finance new businesses which will reduce unemployment to levels which the EU find acceptable."

He added: "Over the past 15 years, Lancashire has received more than £100 million from Brussels to help rebuild the county's economy.

"With matched funding from the county council and other sources, this has helped to support an estimated 50,000 jobs and training opportunities."

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