Some of Northern Ireland's most most deprived communities have been awarded a significant financial boost from the government.

Around £640,000 is being made available for 17 communities across Northern Ireland in the coming year, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said.

The scheme is targeted to help small pockets of deprivation in otherwise relatively well off areas. Spending will include running costs for community centres and environmental improvements for estates.

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Ms Ritchie said: "I am aiming to make a real difference to our most deprived communities by working with local people and targeting resources where they are most needed.

"These small pockets of deprivation have problems which need to be tackled and they deserve help as much as the larger areas currently funded through my department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy," she said.

"I want to close the gap between those who live in disadvantaged areas and those who do not and I am pleased therefore, to be able to continue providing that help by allocating additional funding up to 31 March 2010," added the Minister.

(PR/JM)