RESIDENTS are celebrating after receiving £1million to improve their neighbourhood via community projects.

Broomfields, in Pitsea, is one of 50 deprived estates or streets across England to be given the Big Lottery Fund cash. The money could help end problems with antisocial behaviour and build closer community ties.

Residents living on the estate will work with project officers to decide how they want the Big Local money to be spent over the next ten years.

This could include projects like building new community facilities, creating training and employment schemes, tackling antisocial behaviour and running activities.

The neighbourhoods selected for the project historically have difficulty obtaining funding and support, and also face issues like high unemployment, low average wages and a lack of support services or activities.

Neighbours welcomed the announcement, saying the investment would unite the community, which isn’t currently close-knit.

They said there were problems with antisocial behaviour, a lack of things for young people to do and an absence of community projects run locally.

Resident Erica James, 32, said: “I’m amazed we’re getting all this money and feel really lucky we've been chosen – everyone must get on board and make the most of this.”

Lottery officials will hold a series of meetings with residents over the coming months to kick-start the project and set out priorities.

Sara Betsworth, head of Big Lottery Fund in the east, said the scheme would strengthen communities, address local problems and help residents to build on their skills and experiences.

She said: “This funding scheme is going to put residents in these areas at the heart of decision-making and give them a real say in how to improve their local area.”

Big Local is funded by the National Lottery and managed by the Local Trust – an independent organisation set up by the Community Development Foundation to consult with residents and offer guidance throughout the scheme.

An Ipswich neighbourhood, selected for the project two years ago, is currently consulting on its ideas, which include running young entrepreneur awards, befriending schemes, community gardens and cafes, an anti-littering campaign and stress management courses for parents.