LEIGH companies are losing out in the bid for National Lottery funding, claims a local Tory candidate.

Ed Young, who hopes to win the Leigh seat from long-standing Labour MP Lawrence Cunliffe at the next General Election, says far more funding has been given to groups in Wigan.

And, he says, the council should encourage bids to the various lottery funds.

Mr Young commented: "There have been a hundred or so awards for this region. If you stuck them on a map, there would be a deserted area round Leigh. I know of councils who produce reams of information to help people make a bid. It makes a big difference."

He says he is compiling a Lost Lotto Lolly list of people who may want to apply for a grant, and added: "It would be a huge loss if this is allowed to go on. I want to tip the balance back in our favour."

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