A DEPRIVED part of Canvey is set to receive a £1million investment to tackle crime and make the area a better place to live.

Link Road, Canvey, is one of 50 communities across the country which is set to benefit from a £200million scheme by the Big Lottery Fund this year. The funding is aimed at tackling problems such as antisocial behaviour, disorder and high unemployment in troubled areas.

The estate has been highlighted by the organisation because it is a hotspot for crime and antisocial behaviour, and was even a target during the rioting which swept through the country last summer.

During a night of trouble on August 9 in New Road, Maple Way and Third Avenue, which all lead off of Link Road, a bus stop was set on fire, windows were smashed and a series of grass fires were sparked.

The funding announcement also comes after councillors called for CCTV cameras to be installed in Link Road, at the junctions with First Avenue, Second Avenue, and Dinant Avenue, Canvey, following reports of drug deals openly taking place in the area.

Families on the estate will be given the final say as to how the money should be spent in the community over the next ten years.

Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris, said: “I am thrilled to hear this news. It is a worthwhile area and residents will get to decide how this money will be spent. Hopefully this will really help inspire people.

Mrs Harris launched a campaign last year, urging more community groups to apply for lottery funding, as the borough was suffering a significant shortfall in lottery grants in comparison with other areas.

She said: “Last year the Big Lottery fund gave out on average £400,000 to each constituency, whereas Castle Point received only £22,000.

“For years our borough has not been getting its fair share of funding, so it is important for people to be aware of what grants they can apply for.”

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