Projects compete on UTV for the People's millions

The Big Lottery Fund and ITV have announced a bigger People’s Millions public voting competition for 2006.

There are 84 awards of £50,000 up for grabs this year, including awards to the most popular runners-up in each ITV region. In all 131 community projects across the UK are about to go to public vote to compete for one of the awards.

This is year two of the People’s Millions, and it takes to the ITV regional news screens between 13 and 16 November. Two projects will be screened nightly in each region in a head-to-head battle to win public votes via phone and text.

The People’s Millions is giving the public a real say on where Lottery funding will go to benefit their community. Up to £15 million in grants will be given out by the Big Lottery Fund under this three year initiative.

The Northern Ireland projects

Aired 13 November 2006

BTCV, Glen Road, Belfast

Greening the Glen Road

The project will work with the local community in making environmental and landscape improvements to a 1.5 mile stretch of the Glen Road (from Kennedy Way to near Suffolk Road) in Belfast. The aim is to involve the community, especially young people, in making the Glen Road more attractive, bringing local people together as well as reducing the level of vandalism in the area.

Ballymagroarty Community Association, Ballymagroarty Estate, Derry

Re-surface the 'Pitch' in Ballymac

The project will improve a local community facility in Ballymagroarty by resurfacing the existing all weather community football pitch and providing markings for other sports like tennis and basketball. The facility is owned by Derry City Council (DCC). The project aims to ensure continued use by existing community groups and residents as well as generating new users from other areas thus increasing morale in a community with little infrastructure.

Aired 14 November 2006

Moyle District Council

Cushendun Play Area, Cushendun, Co Antrim (Beach car park)

The project will provide an outdoor play area in Cushendun, creating a stimulating outdoor environment which will encourage interaction, the development of social skills and will assist in developing the physical and mental well being of children and young people. The facility has been leased to Moyle District Council (MDC) by The National Trust.

Whitehill Community Association

Skipperstone Glen, Whitehill, Bangor

The project will improve an area of river at Skipperstone Glen, Whitehill in Bangor by cleaning and replacing natural vegetation, removing illegal dumping and providing a trim trail. The project aims to provide a safer, cleaner environment for the residents making local amenities more accessible, encouraging exercise and improving relationships within families and the community through providing a local community facility.

Aired 15 November 2006

The Woodland Trust

Carnmoney Hill Community Green Space, Carnmoney Hill, Newtownabbey

The project will regenerate an isolated car park in Carnmoney Hill, an area used for bonfires and as a dumping ground. The site is at the entrance of 'Rathfern Wood' (a community woodland created with the help of local residents) and once finished will provide a wildlife haven and community amenity. The aim of the project is to provide local access to a green space within this densely populated urban area.

Castlereagh Borough Council

Carryduff Community Playground, Lough Moss Centre, Carryduff

The project will transform an unused piece of land in Carryduff into an accessible cross community playground, promoting participation in physical activity and community life. The aim is to build community spirit and encourage community involvement and ownership.

www.thepeoplesmillions.org.uk