A NEW programme manager has been appointed to spearhead a £5m Sure Start Government scheme in Worcester.

Ian Craigan will be overseeing the development of the project and making sure it comes into fruition in the chosen Sure Start areas.

He has already spent the last few months liaising with parents-to-be, and parents with children under the age of four in Brickfields, Tolladine, Dines Green and Warndon to find out how they would most like to improve the areas where they live.

Sure Start aims to improve the social development of children, their health and learning ability and to strengthen families and communities.

Mr Craigan, who used to be an assistant community development manager in cultural services at Worcester City Council, has just started his new post on Wednesday after being told he had the job in March.

"I got involved in Sure Start because I ran the consultation part of the exercise," said Mr Craigan.

"My role now is to work towards the development plan and make sure it's implemented.

"I hope to work alongside people in the community as much as possible to make sure that happens.

"My work before was youth-related work and community safety."

Mr Craigan had been working in and around the Sure Start areas for the past 11 years as a member of the council's community development team.

The Government recently granted a cash advance to Worcester City Council from the Sure Start grant, although the money was not due until September.

This means a whole range of improved services and activities are being launched over the next few weeks in Sure Start areas, including crches and baby and toddler groups.

"While prosperity has generally gone up, certain communities have seen the poverty gap widen," added Mr Craigan.

"Sure Start is part of a wider drive to narrow the gap between the best off and the worst off areas in Worcester.

" I was pleased to find out about my job and I'm very excited by it."