Extra funds promised for Bristol

More cash has been promised to help some of Bristol's most run-down areas.

The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund has allocated a further £3.5m to help regeneration and community projects.

A total of £1m is earmarked for 2004/2005, and £2.5m for 2005/2006.

Jeff Rooker, minister for regeneration, said: "We are turning around years of neglect that have blighted our most deprived communities.

"Neighbourhoods are benefiting from work to improve people's quality of life, to create places where people want to live, not leave."

The cash comes on top of an existing pledge of £7m from the NRF to Bristol to be spent between 2004 and 2006.

Projects which have already benefitted under the scheme include the Purdown Credit Union in Lockleaze which provides financial services.

The Lawrence Weston Drugs and Alcohol Project, providing counselling and advice, have already been given cash, as have the Hillfields newsletter, the Octopus.

The NRF provides cash to communities where public, private and voluntary organisations work together.