Parts of Birmingham hit by a tornado three years ago could benefit from a £50 million regeneration package.

Sparkbrook and the city's Balti Triangle have been included in an East Birmingham improvement zone extending from Eastside through Digbeth to Sparkbrook, Small Heath and Sparkhill.

The scheme, which will create jobs and plough investment into the area, is dependent on obtaining £24 million from the European Regional Development Fund. That figure would be matched by Birmingham City Council and Advantage West Midlands.

The council's acting strategic director of development, Clive Dutton, said: "The East Birmingham Area Prospectus identifies the A34/41 corridor as a major opportunity to deliver transformational change to create jobs and investment in the local area.

"This would also support activity in the tornado recovery programme. The package area is close to and includes areas where disadvantage is high, and will link employment creation to these areas."

Sparkbrook and Sparkhill was hit in July 2006 when 140mph winds tore through the south of Birmingham. The freak storm caused £25 million worth of damage and left many restaurants and houses with structural problems.

A total of 20 people were injured and the emergency services used dogs and specialist equipment to find victims among the rubble.

Some traders and residents later claimed the council was not doing enough to repair the damage and help them move back into their homes and businesses.

The council cabinet is expected to agree a bid for ERDF funding next week.