CHILDCARE in Hartlepool could be in line for a massive boost with more than £1.7m in Government money being made available.

The Hartlepool Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership has been invited to bid for money to tackle unemployment in disadvantaged areas by supporting the creation of new childcare places.

The Hartlepool Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership has been told it can apply for revenue funding of £859,880 and capital funding of £355,000. Another £435,339 is available from the New Opportunities Fund - part of monies generated by the National Lottery.

The partnership is preparing to draw up a plan to be ready by June 4, setting out how any money received would be spent.

A meeting for interested parties will be held at Hartlepool Historic Quay on Tuesday, May 15, at 6pm to discuss what facilities and services are available, and consider new proposals for funding under the Neighbourhood Nurseries initiative.

Margaret Haydon, childcare development officer in Hartlepool Borough Council education department said: "This initiative gives us a great opportunity to tackle the lack of childcare places, a major barrier that so often prevents parents from taking up jobs or training.

"Any money that we might receive will have to be targeted in the right places, and that is why we are holding this meeting."