THE final details of a major £2 million project aimed at improving the quality of life for townsfolk have been drawn up as part of a National Lottery bid, writes Becky Procter.

Redditch Council has been working on an £850,000 bid to the New Opportunities Fund for the last 18 months.

The bid, which will be match-funded by other agencies, including the police and Worcestershire Health Authority, passed the first stage and the council will hear if it has been successful in the final round in July.

The council's central area neighbourhood manager, Chris Hill, said: "We have now submitted the final bid after being asked to provide more supplementary evidence to support it.

"The bid will go the lottery's regional committee next month and then for a final decision by the national committee on July 10."

The money will go towards developing established alliances in Woodrow, Batchley, Smallwood and Church Hill.

Arts and sports projects and baby clinics will be some of the things to be developed, as well as a fifth alliance in another part of the town.

Mr Hill said: "It is all about community wellbeing and quality of life.

"We have got our fingers crossed. It's a very good bid and we are hopeful the money will come to Redditch to help develop these projects.

"At the end of the day if we don't get the money, we will utilise the bid and re-target it to other pots."