A FUNDING bonanza is finally set to get going on Canvey after a co-ordinator was appointed to oversee a £1million lottery payout.

Residents will be able to decide how to spend the cash after the island’s Link Road area was chosen as one of 50 communities nationwide to benefit from a £200million Big Lottery Fund scheme.

The bumper payout will involve more than 7,000 residents from 83 roads being given the chance to decide how the £1million will be spent over the next ten years. The area was chosen for help after being highlighted as a crime and antisocial behaviour hotspot.

Community engagement co-ordinator Collette Johnson will spread the word to residents and find out what they want.

She said: “It is so important this is driven by residents. We want to involve people of all ages and backgrounds to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be part of the Big Local.”

The first of a series of neighbourhood meetings was held in June, at which calls were made for better youth facilities, after the Island’s only youth centre, Images, in Furtherwick Road, closed.

But other ideas for the funding include community gardens, litter campaigns, installing CCTV cameras, opening a youth centre, community cafe, or organising events, such as nature walks and befriending schemes.

Volunteers are also sought to help distribute leaflets and posters in and around the island to raise awareness of the scheme.

Newly-recruited volunteer Alec Butler, 67, of Link Road, Canvey, said: “So many people are still unaware of this, which is a big problem.

“We want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible, which is why I am offering my time to help.

“This is such a good thing for Canvey. It is essential as many people as possible get involved and start putting their ideas forward, otherwise this will be a lost opportunity.”

To find out how to get involved, contact Collette on 01268 638416 or e-mail collette.johnson@castle pointavs.org.uk