Insider Buzz: Officials form lottery pool in attempt to clear town's debt
Local officials in a small German town are banking on a lottery win to keep the local council from going bust.
Town councilors in Blumberg near the Swiss border say their community of 10,660 residents has one of the largest debts in Germany, at £1,700 per head.
The group of local politicians have now formed a lottery syndicate [pool], playing twice a week with their own money.
Local finance officer Thomas Lauble said: "The most important figures in my week are now the seven numbers drawn each Wednesday and Saturday in the national lottery."
In case of a big win the group has signed an agreement making it clear that any money gained from the lottery winner will go into the community treasure chest.
Councilor Birgit Friederich admits that a big win "cannot be factored into the community finances", but said a "few million euros would bring welcome relief".