Political leaders have attacked the National Lottery for snubbing south Essex since its launch in 1994.

The Rochford district in particular came 427th out of 434 areas in the UK for the amount of lottery cash granted for community projects.

Figures released by the Government showed up to 2002 the total sum granted to the council and other organisations within the district amounted to £2million.

Council leader Terry Cutmore said Rochford was £13 million below the average, money which could have been spent on projects in the area.

He added the district was not alone and other areas nearby also scored low on the table of authorities.

Mr Cutmore said: "Luck has little to do with this.

"Those who choose what projects are supported should give priority to Rochford to ensure the people of the district are awarded a fair and proper share of lottery funding.

"Our own recent experience of rejected support towards the windmill in Rayleigh shows how very disheartening the process can be.

"Anyone looking at these figures may be tempted to believe lottery awards to the Rochford district and other parts of Essex are not given fair priority.

"In our experience too many worthy projects appear to be considered unsuitable for lottery support."