Dozens of worthy causes across Barrhead have shared a £100,000 cash pot as part of a new community-led approach to funding local groups.

The Better Barrhead steering group urged residents to put forward suggestions for projects which would improve the town and provide more opportunities for local people.

A total of £100,000 was made available through East Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government’s Community Choices Fund, with the cash specifically targeted at projects to improve two priority areas around the neighbourhoods of Auchenback and Dunterlie.

Almost 50 groups that were bidding for funds presented their ideas to more than 100 of their peers and, using a ballot process, local people decided which groups would receive funding.

Among those to receive the maximum £5,000 payout were Dunterlie Youth Group, BAND F (Barrhead and Neilston Disability Forum), Barrhead Men’s Shed, the Includeme2 Club, the East Renfrewshire Back to School Bank, Flair Gymnastics and the Tuesday Friendship Club.

Councillor Colm Merrick, East Renfrewshire’s community services and community safety convener, said the “participatory budgeting” approach has put decisions about how public money is invested in Barrhead into the hands of those who live and work in the area.

He added: “The number and quality of applications, as well as the positive way in which the people of Barrhead came together for this event, is a true testament of community spirit.

“I’m absolutely delighted to support this initiative and it is encouraging to see such a diverse range of worthy projects awarded funding by the public.

“A huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

Any community, voluntary or non-profit organisation was eligible to apply to the fund.

Grants of between £250 and £5,000 were available – the only stipulation being that projects must be of benefit to the target areas of Auchenback, Dunterlie, East Arthurlie, Dovecothall, Dalmeny or Springhill.

Other organisations to receive funding included the East Renfrewshire ASN Parent Action Group, which received £4,999, and the Dunterlie Baby and Toddler group, which was awarded £4,745.