Everyone a winner in £ 65,000 bonanza
Hundreds turn out to support favourite groups
An impressive 21 new projects are taking shape in Girvan and the surrounding villages after people voted to award grants at the latest South Carrick Decision Day.
In all, 348 people turned out to show their support at Girvan Academy where they voted for their favourite projects.
The event was part of a new way to encourage people to get actively involved in local decision- making known as Participatory Budgeting.
A total of £ 65,000 was available to groups taking part, which was split into morning and afternoon sessions.
And £ 25,000 was available to 24 groups taking part in a marketplace drop- in event; while 10 groups pitched from a stage in the afternoon for a share of £ 40,000.
Among the successful projects: A two- year employability programme from the Girvan Youth Trust; lifesaving training for the South Carrick First Responders; improvements to the Ballantrae play park; and inflatable fun for the Quay Zone.
Councillor Douglas Campbell, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “Decision days have evolved in the last year and a half and this latest event was the first to be split into two sessions to help maximise the benefits.
“The format allowed a number of groups to make their case for smaller projects in the morning, while the afternoon session saw organisations appeal to the local community for more substantial grants.
“What all the projects have in common is that they’re putting something back into communities and allowing people to have their say on what they think should be funded, something which goes to the heart of these regular events.”
Voting was open to anyone who lives, works, volunteers or studies in Ballantrae, Barr, Barrhill, Colmonell, Dailly, Girvan, Lendalfoot, Pinmore, and Pinwherry, aged 12+.