COMMUNITY classes have started in part of Wisbech after a parish ward group received £75,000 in funding to start learning activities. The Waterlees Estate, on the north side of the town, secured the funding under the Investing in Communities programme ru

COMMUNITY classes have started in part of Wisbech after a parish ward group received £75,000 in funding to start learning activities.

The Waterlees Estate, on the north side of the town, secured the funding under the Investing in Communities programme run by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Learning Partnership.

And project co-ordinator Julie Dalton is now hoping it will encourage residents of the Waterlees ward to become involved with, and access opportunities to learn.

Mrs Dalton, who is also development worker for the Waterlees Estate, said: "This is a real opportunity for residents of Waterlees and community workers to join forces with the ultimate aim of raising aspirations and skill levels in the community.

"Once the group gets going we are hoping it will become self-sufficient.

There will be more funding bids in the future but by then the momentum should keep the group going."

The group already has nine volunteer learning champions, all of whom will be spreading the word about the group and trying to attract interest.

There are also volunteer skill sharers, who will be helping people in the community to learn new skills.

The first learning activities started on Wednesday, with a free English class.

The second, free maths classes, takes place today (9.30-11.30am) at the Oasis Village Centre, in St Michael's Avenue.

Mrs Dalton said: "We posted some questionnaires around the estate to see what people wanted to do, and that is what we are basing the classes on - we have had a lot of interest for free English and maths classes."

* If you would like to be involved, book onto a learning activity or for more information, contact Mrs Dalton on 07894 390374.