THE people of Platt Bridge hit the jackpot when they heard they had been awarded almost half a million pounds from National Lottery funds.

The £466,750 cash injection will now mean residents and youngsters brought together by the Coalfield Challenge Community Partnership Project can restore a derelict block of flats for a major youth project.

They have been working together for over a year to develop the project which eventually is expected to bring in more than £1 million into the Platt Bridge area.

It follows questions asked among local young people about what they wanted to see in the district. They said they needed not just social facilities but training in subjects which would affect their lives, including the opportunity for some to start their own businesses and co-operatives.

The block of flats will now be developed and adapted for a number of activities, including a youth cafe, training centre, creche and nursery, toy library, advice centre and small business set up units as well as a base for a youth club.

Spokesperson Claire Ann Messenger said: "We have approached a wide range of statutory and voluntary agencies and we have been overwhelmed by the support that we have received from them. They all seem to want to help us make this project work. They have recognised that we are the people who run the life of the locality and are best equipped to act as participants and partners in the development of the project."

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