GOLDEN Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) has edged a step closer to receiving up to £10.6 million of funding tipped to transform the lives of residents and tackle poverty.

The trust has been awarded almost £50,000 to further develop plans for its New Leaf project as it bids to continue supporting those across Warrington and Cheshire.

If successful in stage two, GGHT and its partners could receive £10.6 million from the Building Better Opportunities (BBO) programme to ensure it can deliver the vision set out in the New Leaf scheme.

GGHT managing director Peter Fitzhenry said: "We are really excited about the New Leaf project because of the huge potential it has to change lives, create opportunities and provide a positive future for thousands of people.

"If we are successful, the project would allow GGHT and its partners to support more than 2,800 residents across Cheshire and Warrington into work which will make a really positive contribution to communities and the regional economy."

BBO is a key part of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership's (LEP) European funding programme.

The scheme sees the Big Lottery Fund match funds from the European Social Fund from 2014 to 2020 to provide joint investment in projects that tackle poverty and promote social inclusion.

In the coming years the funding will be delivered in 38 LEP areas according to 'local priorities'.

If successful the New Leaf project will run from 2016 to 2019.

GGHT and its partners will find out if they have been successful with their stage two submission next year.