Extra funding for poorest areas

Hilltown is one of the areas which will benefit from the investment

A total of £1.5m is to be invested in some of Dundee's most deprived communities over the next two years.

The Ardler, Lochee and Fintry areas are among those to get a share and locals will be given a say in how it is used.

The Scottish Government cash will be used for youth work, building improvements and smaller projects.

The money, from the Fairer Scotland Fund, is part of a package which will see more than £8m spent in Dundee over 2008/09 to tackle poverty.

A further £8.8m will be invested in 2009/10.

The latest funding announcement will cover five areas: Ardler/St Mary's/Kirkton; Menzieshill/Charleston/Lochee/Beechwood; Mill O' Mains/Fintry/Whitfield; Stobswell/Hilltown/Fairmuir and Mid Craigie/Linlathen/Douglas.

Dundee City Council leader, Kevin Keenan, said: "This is a substantial investment which is very welcome.

"The money will be spent to meet local needs and local people will play a crucial role in deciding where the money is spent."