Online cash poll

Four Monklands groups are seeking votes after being shortlisted in an online poll to distribute cash from the Aviva community fund.

Coatbridge organisations Parent Action for Safe Play (PASP) and Shining Stars theatre school are both in the running, along with Airdrie’s Advisory Group, run by people with learning disabilities, and the Lady Rocks and Gladiator Rocks basketball clubs which aim to expand their sessions in Monklands.

PASP, based at Scarhill Street in Kirkshaws, would use a funding windfall to develop their active play outdoor programme for youngsters aged 5-15, running free outreach sessions for five nights per week at play parks, community facilities and schools across Monklands.

Representatives at Shining Stars, for children and adults with additional support needs, are aiming to have an adapted building of their own to meet the needs of their members.

Airdrie Advisory Group aim to bring people with disabilities and who are socially isolated together to meet new friends and try a host of activities ranging from football, badminton and basketball to music, yoga and cooking.

Lady Rocks and Gladiator Rocks basketball club recently set up a satellite section at St Ambrose High in Coatbridge and are hoping for funding to establish another for young people in Airdrie, as well as establishing a section of the club for wheelchair users.

To support for any of the projects, visit www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk.