A LOTTERY grant to the tune of £50,000 is all set to help provide vital equipment for local community and voluntary groups.

But organiser, the Council for Voluntary Service, wants to raise even more to help benefit groups in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

The aim is to create a Community Resource and Equipment Store (CRESt) which will provide key resources such as staging, seating, lighting, play equipment, tables and marquees. These resources will be available to use free of charge by organisations in the area to support their promotional and fundraising activities.

Stephen Heath, chief officer of the CVS in Blackpool, explained: "We are trying to turn £50,000 into £100,000, at least in terms of equipment. We have sent around 200 letters to local businesses, Rotary groups etc, but would like to hear from anyone who can help.

"Some community groups buy equipment for a specific event and then do not use it again and it is often left somewhere to rot. We are suggesting that groups which have such items donate them to us as they will still be able to benefit from them but so will many others."

The official launch of the store, which will be located in an easily accessible site in the Blackpool area, will be on September 11.

Stephen said: "We sent out the initial letters about a week ago and responses are starting to trickle back in but we are still looking for more support. By the time the launch takes place we hope to have spent most of the money on equipment, but at the moment we are only at the order stage.

"On the opening day we will also have health and safety training and workshops to show how the equipment can be used."

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to CRESt can call Stephen at the Council for Voluntary Service on (01253) 624505.

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