DEPRIVED Gwent communities are set to get a share of a £9 million money pot - with a promise that getting it will be made easier.

Areas in Gwent are among those across South Wales eligible for a £20,000- a-year handout from the National Assembly.

The cash will be available early next year as part of the Communities First programme. Any community or voluntary group with a stake in the Communities First area will be eligible for funds.

Assembly minister for finance, local government and communities Edwina Hart, has promised that the fund will be able to give grants quickly - without red tape.

She said: "The Trust Fund will be easily accessible and it is designed to help local people get things done in support of their local communities.

"This new fund will play an important role in enabling more people to get involved in the regeneration of their neighbourhoods by providing quick and direct access to financial support.

"This is a clear indication of the National Assembly's commitment to community em-powerment and bringing real and lasting change to people's lives through the Communi-ties First programme."

Minister for health and social services Jane Hutt agreed, saying: "The fund will be an important resource for the voluntary and local sectors, to help them empower communities and get local people involved in the regeneration of their area."

Ebbw Vale and Cwm get a special mention as the areas worst hit by the Corus closures. Ebbw Vale councillor John Rogers said: "I regard it as an exciting proposal and I think Edwina Hart is the most effective minister in the National Assembly.

"Of course, she is very well aware of the problems caused by the closure of Corus, she has been exceptionally supportive and she has reacted quickly and usefully. "I am sure we shall certainly be taking advantage of this initiative."

In Newport and Maindee funds will be available to the black and Asian communities. Councillor for Victoria Harry Williams said: "It can't be a bad thing, provided everything is done even-handedly.

"I'd like to move in the direction of treating all our citizens the same.

"If problems come about through events we can't control this fund could be a way to address that."