MAYOR of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock will be awarding £50,000 over the next two years to every ward in the borough to help improve to neighbourhoods.

The funding is in addition to the £10,000 each ward currently receives through the localities fund.

It will be available to local assemblies in installments over two years with half the money being made available this year and next year, and the other half available next year and in 2010.

Sir Steve said: "More than anything, I want to create a fair and flexible fund with the potential to benefit all communities in all areas." Suggestions on how to spend the funding will be decided through each ward's local assembly.

Local assemblies hold meetings four times a year to discuss and debate issues with councillors and council officers.