COMMUNITY groups in four areas across East Renfrewshire will have the chance to bid for a share of a £90,000 funding pot.

A total of £22,500 each has been allocated to Auchenback, Barrhead, Neilston and Thornliebank, as these areas have been identified as part of East Renfrewshire Council’s approach to tackling inequality in the most disadvantaged areas.

Community groups and non-profit organisations can apply for a grant of between £250 and £2,000 from the fund. Local residents will then vote for their favourite projects at events where groups showcase their ideas.

Now in its third year, this method of community decision-making is known as Participatory Budgeting.

Councillor Colm Merrick, East Renfrewshire’s community services and community safety convener, said: “Participatory Budgeting events have been a great success in previous years, so I am pleased our local residents have the opportunity again this year to decide how this money will be spent across these four areas.

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“The investment will make a huge impact to these communities, so I would encourage all groups with an idea – no matter how big or small – to apply for funding, as it could be your idea which will greatly benefit the local area.

Applications for funding are now open and close at 5pm on Monday, February 10.
To download an application pack, click here.

The community voting event for Barrhead and Auchenback will be held at the Barrhead Foundry on Saturday, March 14, with Thornliebank’s event being held at Thorntree Hall on Saturday, March 21, and the Neilston event taking place at the Glen Halls on Saturday, March 28.

All three events will run from 10am until 2pm, with voting open from 11am until 1pm.