Dewsbury Moor plans how to spend £1m lotto cash

Members of an action group have realised that making the most of the £100,000-a-year windfall might not be as easy as first thought.

Fears have surfaced about outside agencies coming into the area and how the money might be allocated.

But a meeting of the new Big Local group agreed a united front is vital to make the most of the money.

Over 50s club delegate Florence Smith said: “Don’t let bitterness creep in. This exchange of views has been healthy.”

And chairwoman the Rev Kathy Robertson said: “The strength will be in people seeing us pull together.”

The process of accessing the money starts with a series of community events aimed at finding out what residents want. These include a family fun day at School TRA house, a football tournament and tapestry making at the SureStart centre - all culminating in a big event at West Moor Field on May 14.

“This will let us engage with the community and have fun at the same time,” said Mrs Robertson, vicar of St John’s.

Banners are being made to flag up how money could be spent and people can tick off choices.

Mrs Robertson said the money will be held in a trust which will impose spending rules.

Val Johnson of Voluntary Action Kirklees said: “We must form a strong partnership to make sure the money is spent on Dewsbury Moor and stays there.”