Bumper grants for groups

Sarah Jane McDonald The countdown is on for the Girvan and South Carrick community as the funding decision day will be held at Girvan Academy between 11am and 3pm on Saturday, February 18.

Anyone wishing to vote must register between 10.15- 11am on the day. A fund of up to £ 38,000 is up for grabs at the event, with £ 20,000 available for projects dealing with specifically with children and young people, with a further £ 18,000 for general community groups in the South Carrick Area. Over 30 community groups will be pitching to an audience of local people about their proposal and how it will benefit the community.

After all the pitches have been heard, the audience will have a chance to vote to decide who receives funding.

Groups looking for funds for children and young people projects can be funded up to £ 2000 for use in community projects, with general grants available for up to £ 1000.

South Ayrshire Council and the Girvan and South Carrick Villages Locality Planning Group invite people from Girvan, Dailly, Barr, Colmonell, Lendalfoot, Ba l l a n t rae, Bar r h i l l Pinwherry and Pinmore to get involved and register to vote. Anyone over the age of 8 is able to take part in the electronic vote.

The money has been made available from South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Government, and the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Bill McIntosh, said: “The last event in Girvan was a big success, with 116 people voting to give 21 community groups their share of the £ 15,000 available, with even more money available this time around.

“I hope that we see a good turnout for the latest event, with people of all ages being given the chance to have a say on the projects they want to see receive community funding.”

For more on grants for children and young people contact Heather on 01465 714 729 or email on heather@ z1girvan. org. uk

For more on general community grants call 01292 612 626 or email Marion Young at Marion. Young@ south- ayrshire. gov. uk