Perfect pitch wins groups a share of pot
Almost £ 15,000 has been dished out to Prestwick’s smallest community groups at a Dragon’s Den- style event.
The fresh funding support, handed out by South Ayrshire Council, saw more than 140 of the town’s residents turn out for ‘ decision day’.
The events encourage locals to get “actively involved” in the carving up of cash.
A total of 21 groups plundered the pot at Prestwick Academy on Saturday after pitching to an audience with their proposals.
Votes were then cast to decide which groups should receive funding, with anyone over the age of 12 able to take part.
Among the successful projects were cinema screenings for Dementia Friendly Prestwick, bikes and helmets for pupils who don’t have access to them at Glenburn Primary and a breakfast club at the Messy Church in Monkton.
Claire Monaghan, the council’s head of communities, said: “The Prestwick event is just the latest to have become a firm favourite with local groups, with the funding available helping them to take forward interesting projects in their communities.
“The organisations involved work with people of all ages, and the fact that children as young as 12 can vote on their favourites, means that local decision- making is being put firmly in the hands of the community.
“P a r t i c i p a t o r y budgeting is designed to encourage more people to get involved in their community, while also helping to build local networks that can work together in future to do more in their local area.
“I t ’ s a p o s i t i v e development that I’m sure will continue to go from strength- to- strength.”