A NEW organisation is being set up to distribute £52m of regeneration cash.

The West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust will be the main decision-making body in charge of the area's New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme.

Headed by the Government, the scheme is aimed at breathing new life into run-down areas. In West Middlesbrough they include Newport, Whinney Banks and West Lane.

Now residents are being urged to have a say on how their money should be spent, by joining the trust.

Leaflets are being sent to every home explaining what it is about and encouraging people to fill in membership forms.

The trust will comprise residents, and partners, and elections for its board will be held in the summer.

Every adult in the area will be eligible to join, vote at general meetings and stand for the board, although they must join now to be eligible for this year's board.

Chairman of the NDC interim board, which is due to be superceded by the neighbourhood trust, Andy Snowden, said: "Up to now, the interim board has been responsible for running the NDC programme, but it was only designed as a temporary measure.

"We're now in a position to set up the neighbourhood trust and make sure everyone in West Middlesbrough gets the chance to vote for the people they want to be in charge of spearheading regeneration.

"This is an important opportunity to get involved. Don't miss out on having your say."

Membership forms should be returned to the NDC office at Melbourne House, Macmillan College, or Whinney Banks Youth and Community Centre, by Friday, May 18.

For details, telephone (01642) 230555 or 0800 0833731.