Basildon is to benefit from a Government review into areas short-changed by lottery handouts.
The town is one of 51 areas, but the only one in Essex, chosen to take part in a new initiative, Fair Share.
Lottery minister Tessa Jowell said this recognition would allow community groups to tap into £169m for worthy projects.
However, there have been complaints from Billericay Tory MP John Baron that his constituency has also had a raw deal failed to get it on to the shortlist.
Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith said she was encouraged, having raised the issue back in 2000.
It was then she discovered Basildon constituents spent around £60m on tickets but only got £1.5m back.
Published Monday, March 11, 2002
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