THERE was joy and a sense of relief this week after a community action group emerged from a period of uncertainty.'Lowestoft Together is back in business!' was the message being echoed out across the town again by board members after almost �225,000 was made available to spend on projects that will benefit communities in the town.

THERE was joy and a sense of relief this week after a community action group emerged from a period of uncertainty.

'Lowestoft Together is back in business!' was the message being echoed out across the town again by board members after almost �225,000 was made available to spend on projects that will benefit communities in the town.

The news was announced at a board meeting on Tuesday as Richard Best, service and policy officer at Waveney District Council, confirmed that Lowestoft Together has �189,700 available to spend, along with another �33,000 for capital funding.

The news was welcomed by the board who now feel they have emerged from a period of uncertainty.

Chairman Sue Henderson said: 'We will now be able to go forward, like before, and hopefully fund projects that will benefit the quality of life of people living in the super output areas of Lowestoft. We have funded some really great projects before and now we want to know what the community wants.'

Arthur Charvonia, assistant chief executive at Waveney Council and Lowestoft Together board member, was equally pleased. 'Lowestoft Together is a critical partnership between local residents, statutory agencies and the voluntary sector. It plays an important role in the community as it is able to have a direct impact on local issues and concerns, improving the lives of local people and communities through the projects and initiatives it supports.

'Board Members will be looking at identifying key issues to help determine how this money will be spent. To assist them in this process, the council will be holding a visioning session prior to the next full board meeting, during which it will update Lowestoft Together on the issues and concerns that local people have shared during consultations,' he added.

At this week's meeting, board member Vic Kirk proposed that the first award of funds should go to DIAL, LISG and CAB, who were supposed to receive �800 each. Mr Kirk suggested the award should be increased to �1,000 each, and the board voted unanimously in agreement.

It was also agreed to award �28,000 to fund a police community support officer for a further year.

Suffolk Police will match fund Lowestoft Together's new award keeping two PCSOs on the streets of Lowestoft for the next year.

Lowestoft Together now want to hear from other organisations, groups and people who need financial help to achieve goals that will bring new life and a feel-good factor to the town. The next appraisal panel, at which bids for money will be considered, is on August 4.

For further information on funding contact Waveney Council's community cohesion officer, Kath Scott at Kathleen.Scott@waveney.gov.uk or call 01502 523180.