MORE than 22 community groups across Ayr North and the surrounding areas are celebrating after landing funds to help support their work.

Over 150 people took part in the latest decision day and £28,500 was available at the event, at Ayrshire College’s Ayr Campus on Saturday, March 4.

Community groups pitched to local residents about their proposal, who then voted to decide which groups should receive funding.

The successful projects included: a new breakfast club at Annbank Primary; to help to clean up Tarbolton Woods; helping the Craigie Colts football team get competitive on the pitch; equipment to help attract new members to the Peter Boyle Bowling Club and activities for the South Ayrshire Befriending Project.

The event is part of a new way to encourage people to get actively involved in local decision making known as ‘Participatory Budgeting’.

South Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, and their community partners invited people from Ayr North Harbour, Wallacetown & Newton South, Dalmilling & Craigie, Lochside, Braehead & Whitletts, Annbank, Mossblown & Tarbolton.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “The decision days give people the power to vote on the projects they feel will make the most difference in their community.

“With such a high turnout for the latest event in Ayr, it’s clear that there’s growing interest in the participatory budget approach, which encourages people to get directly involved and have a say in local decision making.

“I’d like to thank all involved for taking the time to make the Ayr North event possible, with community groups now well placed to continue their good work and make lives better in South Ayrshire.”