News
Sustrans on shortlist of £50m TV cash handout show
Carlton Reid Oct 23 2007, 3:00pm
Connect2 project is the only national project out of four finalists (but will people pay to call ITV?)
The BIG Lottery Fund has unveiled the final shortlist for the People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway. The contest will be a public vote which will see one project of national importance win a grant of £50m.
Sustrans stands a stunningly good chance against what are worthy but highly localised projects.
Sir Clive Booth, chair of the BIG Lottery Fund said: “The People’s £50 Million Lottery contest is a truly ground-breaking initiative, giving everyone in the UK the opportunity to decide which of these highly deserving projects will receive the single biggest donation of BIG Lottery funding through public vote.
As well as the Sustrans Connect2 project the other finalists are the Black Country Urban Park, the Eden Project climate change expo, and a project to save historic oaks in Sherwood forest.
John Grimshaw, Sustrans co-founder and CEO, said:
“We are delighted that Sustrans’ Connect2 has made it through to the public TV vote.
Together with local communities, we look forward to doing all we can to win the vote so that we can bring real and lasting change to the everyday lives of millions of ordinary people all over the UK.”
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and former minister Charles Clarke will champion the charity's bid to transform walking and cycling opportunities across the UK. Adam Hart Davies, Wayne Hemingway and Ken Livingstone are among other high-profile supporters.
Online voting for The People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway will open at 9am on 26 November at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk
Voting will take place online from 26th November and by phone vote following the TV show on ITV1 in December.
