Recession-hit communities are to be given a much-needed boost as the Government ploughs a £9- million fighting fund into the South West.

Local Government Minister John Healey confirmed that councils in the region will receive their share of £100m within the next few days, to be used as they see fit to help meet local needs and priorities.

Mr Healey said: "Different parts of the country will be affected by this downturn in different ways and to different degrees – as these pressures are being felt by families and businesses, councils are best placed to provide real help locally, tailored to local needs, to help people to stay in their homes and their jobs."

Bath and North East Somerset Council was awarded £205,950. Councillor Malcolm Hanney, cabinet member for resources said: "Bath and North East Somerset Council has a number of initiatives under way to try to help local residents and businesses through the recession.

"This funding will be used for initiatives to support businesses.

"These include: £150k to mitigate parking price increases; £35k as part of £50k to support local economy promotion; £20k support for events to encourage footfall in our urban centres."

Bristol City Council received £1,527,639, the largest payout in the region.

The council discussed using the funds to put together a Recession Action Plan at a full council meeting yesterday.

Council leader Helen Holland said: "Here in Bristol we have one of the strongest and most resilient economies in the UK – and we want to keep it that way.

"In the current global financial situation, there's no room for complacency.

"I am confident that this is one of the most ambitious and wide ranging action plans produced by any local authority and while, on its own, it won't 'beat' the recession it will certainly play a part in helping businesses and residents cope with the impacts of the downturn."

Dorset County Council is using its share, £95,189, to put together a package of support measures for local residents and businesses. Somerset received £290,000 and Wiltshire took home £216,000.

Gloucestershire was hand- ed £540,000 and cash was also granted to district authorities.