MEMBERS of the Trees Estate Community Facility in Newton-le-Willows are celebrating after striking lucky for a second time.

The group has just discovered that it has been awarded a second grant by the National Lottery's Charities Board. The latest grant of £58,000 will be used to fund a full-time worker to help develop the community facility. The first grant of £40,000 was used to help build the facility itself.

One of the first priorities for the holder of the new post will be to carry out a consultation with the residents to find out what barriers they find themselves faced with, such as unemployment, health, childcare and low income. The results of the consultation will provide a base for developing partnerships to introduce support services operating from the facility.

Ivor Goodban, chair of the Trees Estate Community Facility, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for the residents to influence the powers-that-be to deliver support in the community so that it is accessible for everyone."

Helen Fitzgerald, a community development worker with St Helens CVS, added: "This grant has given the group the opportunity to develop new and exciting ideas, they need the involvement of the local community to ensure its success."

The new post, which will be funded for three years, will help to provide some stability for the facility by generating income and carrying out fund-raising to maintain the building.

Volunteers are always welcome at the Trees Estate Community Facility and anyone who can offer support in any way, can contact the group on 01925 222188, or Helen Fitzgerald on 01744 623761.

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