RESIDENTS and community groups in West Somerset are being asked whether they would support a local lottery to raise funds to support the voluntary sector.

West Somerset Council is considering running a ‘local authority lottery’ to help to provide a source of funding for groups in the area and wants to know if residents would support the move.

Local authority grants for community and voluntary groups locally – and nationally – are dwindling due to the continuing pressures on the public purse so West Somerset Council is looking at alternative ways of helping.

The online lottery would offer £1 tickets with buyers having the choice of supporting a general fund or a specific group that would be listed on the website. It is estimated there would be a one in 56 chance of winning a prize.