THREE of the borough's most deprived areas have been awarded government funding.

Now local people are being urged to say how they think the cash should be spent.

Community projects in Botwell, West Drayton and Yiewsley wards can apply for the money as part of Community First, an s80million government initiative.

Each area has been allocated a s33,910 grant, which can only be accessed if matched funding in donations of cash, services or voluntary time is achieved.

Across all three wards the broad remit will be to improve links and tolerance between the ethnically diverse population, provide job opportunities for young people and lay on more things for children to do.

A sum of s30m has been set aside for grassroots programmes in nearly 600 of the UKs poorest areas as part of the initiative, which will run until March 2015.

Community First is in its second year. Last year, Hayes End Community Centre, Hillingdon Play Association, Bell Farm Christian Centre in West Drayton, and the Cornerstone Centre in Yiewsley were among those organisations given grants.

In each eligible area, panels led by local people have been set up to decide how the cash is dished out.

The Hillingdon Community Trust (HCT) is co-ordinating the scheme for the three wards, and wants public input so it can choose worthy causes.

Christine Little, HCT chairman, said: The consultation gives these communities a chance to say how they think [the] funding should be used in their area to improve quality of life and to make a real and lasting difference.

Weve tried to keep the process as simple and clear as possible to encourage people to participate and weve already had some really useful feedback.

The funding will give local groups an opportunity to apply for funds in a straightforward way to deliver projects that the local community needs.

If you have a bright idea, however, you will need to be quick: the public consultation finishes on January 23.

n For more information, and to view the draft plans for each ward, visit botwellwestdraytonyiewsleycf.posterous.com/pages/botwell-west-drayton-yiewsley-community-first

To submit your views about the area you live in, email either BotwellWard.London or WestDraytonWard.London or YiewsleyWard.London followed by @hillingdoncommunitytrust.org.uk.

We would like to hear your plans too. See page 14 for ways to get in touch.