CHRIS CELEBRATES EASTLEIGH'S LOTTERY FUNDING - AND WANTS MORE

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Feb 2010

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne is pressing the town to put up more bids for Big Lottery Funding following the success of the new sports hall at Quilley School of Engineering.

Chris accompanied Regional Lottery chief Alison Rowe to meet keen basketball playing pupils and head teacher Richard Kelly at Quilley, the main secondary school for south Eastleigh.

Chris Huhne said: "The Big Lottery Fund's investment of £1.3 million in the Quilley sports hall shows what can be done to help local communities. The hall benefits not just the pupils but also many local community groups who use it in the evening and at weekends".

"I am keen to get local groups to apply for funding for good projects and activities, as the lottery still generates lots of cash for good causes".

Alison Rowe, Big Lottery Fund head of region for the South East, said: "Over £50 milion of Big Lottery Fund cash has been channelled into first class sports facilities across the South East, giving thousands of people new opportunities to get active and participate in a wide range of sports not previously available to them.

"This research has shown that accessible local facilities can inspire many of those least interested in sport to get out, get active and improve their health in first rate surroundings".

ENDS