THE Middlewich Microchips Project will go ahead despite a National Lottery snub that has left the charity £2,000 out of pocket.

The plan for a community internet cafe received a hefty setback last week when a Lottery bid in the region of £500,000 was rejected.

And it was especially painful as the charity had forked out £2,000 to submit the application.

But the Microchips committee has vowed to fight to turn the cyber dream into more than just virtual reality.

Microchips' chairman Rev David Moore said: "Obviously we are all very disappointed, and it is especially frustrating as we had put so much time and money into the bid.

"Also, a lot of things had to be put on hold while we waited for the result. But the bulk of the project - the youth lounge, cafe and internet area - is going ahead as planned."

A long process of consultation with Middlewich residents was undertaken with questionnaires sent to schools, businesses and homes to see what people wanted.

As a result the plan included an upstairs resource centre, offices and conference suite and it is these that have been hit by the lack of funding. Lottery adjudicators felt Microchips had not proved a need for this service. Rev Moore added: "We now have to re-organise with architects and building surveyors, and some plans have to be put on hold.

"But the young people will still be provided for in the way we wanted and we hope to open in spring or early summer."

If any businesses can help with the project ring Rev Moore during office hours on 01606 835928.