Recession-hit neighbourhoods are to receive a green boost with the announcement that Groundwork together with the National Housing Federation (NHF) has been successful with a bid to the new Future Jobs Fund.

The investment will create thousands of new jobs across England and Wales - and bring significant benefits to our environment and thousands of local neighbourhoods. New jobs created will include energy efficiency advisers, neighbourhood caretakers, land management workers, gardeners and recycling workers.

"This is fantastic news for those neighbourhoods hardest hit by this recession," said Tony Hawkhead, Chief Executive of Groundwork. "Our success means employment opportunities for thousands - and it brings a huge boost to the emerging 'green collar' sector.

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"Investing in these jobs will leave a lasting legacy of both places that are greener and better able to combat and adapt to climate change - and people that have acquired valuable new skills that will benefit the UK for decades to come."

NHF Chief Executive David Orr said he was thrilled the bid had been successful: "This investment will provide thousands of new jobs to people living in communities blighted by unemployment during the recession.

"The scheme will equip people with both the new skills and practical experience to work in the emerging low carbon economy, where thousands of new jobs are expected to be created over the next few years.

"We're delighted that the bid has been successful and 63 housing associations will now play a significant role in delivering these jobs to communities across the country.

"This is clearly good news for those looking for work, good news for their communities and good news for the environment."

The scheme will also create new green social enterprises and work with large landowners such as British Waterways, Sustrans and the Countryside Council for Wales to improve public open space, build cycleways and help make adaptations for future climate change.

Around ninety local organisations - Groundwork Trusts and housing associations - will begin planning recruitment shortly with the first jobs scheduled to begin in October. As far as practical, people employed will be undertaking work that benefits their own neighbourhood or local area.

(CD/JM)