LOTTERY winners in Ryedale today voiced concerns that changes to the grant system could mark the end of cash bonanzas for good local causes.

Figures released this week show that since 1995, projects in the district have hit a lottery jackpot of almost £2 million.

However, Ryedale MP John Greenway has expressed concerns over a Government review of the way National Lottery money is used, claiming it is diverting funding into spending on health, education and the environment, projects which he says should be "funded directly by the Government".

His views are shared by a number of Ryedale good causes who have received vital cash boosts over the last two years.

One of the biggest pay-outs in the region was the recently- announced £400,000 grant to Kirkbymoorside Golf Club for a new clubhouse and greenkeeper's shed

A spokeswoman from the club, where work on the new building is about to begin, said the lottery grant had been a great bonus.

"We're not a wealthy club, and to be honest if we'd not been given the money our existing clubhouse would probably have fallen down - and then we'd have been stuck," she said.

She added that a lot of good causes around the district were dependent on National Lottery money to help them carry on.

"Without the money, what are they going to do ?" she added.

Among others to benefit are Helmsley's Old Meeting House arts venue, which received £275,000 two years ago for an extension; £100,000 for Malton and Norton Rugby Club's relocation, and £38,600 to the Kirkby Misperton Church Project.

Many smaller awards have provided vital aid and support to local organisations and a number of bids for grants are currently in the pipeline.

A spokeswoman from the Department of Culture said: " A Bill for what will eventually be known as the New Opportunities Fund has been drawn up and presented to Parliament. And yes, it will look at giving money to health, education and environment projects.

"This new fund was overwhelmingly supported in the summer when it underwent a consultation period. But it doesn't necessarily mean good causes, like those which have benefited up to now will lose out."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.