Last updated at 13:35, Friday, 22 February 2013

A bright idea could be worth up to £15,000 for someone living on Maryport’s Ewanrigg estate.

Andy Hemming, of charity UnLtd Star People, will be at Ewanrigg Community Centre on March 12 to hear from people who may have business ideas to improve the neighbourhood.

Star People awards would be available to individuals who live, work, run a business, volunteer or have a connection with the area.

Awards will range from £500 to £15,000 for people with a big idea and potential to grow.

Mr Hemming said: “We are looking for individuals who are passionate about making things better.”

Ewanrigg has been chosen as one of the charity’s Big Local Areas because of its deprivation.

Mr Hemming said that in other Big Local Areas around the country he had awarded money to help set up a football coaching programme for youngsters and funded ideas such as cookery projects.

He said: “The award is not confined to residents of Ewanrigg, although they are certainly welcome. The main concern is that, whoever provides the service, it is of benefit to the people in the area.”

Mr Hemming will attend a Coffee and Crack session at Ewanrigg’s community centre from 1pm to 6pm.

Bill Barnes, chairman of the Ewanrigg and Netherton Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said it was an excellent opportunity for the community and urged people to come forward with ideas.

First published at 13:08, Friday, 22 February 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk