SOME 23 community groups in Ayr South and Coylton are celebrating their success after landing fresh funding to help support their work.

Among the successful projects: Ayr Ark, Coylton Sheltered Housing Unit, Kincaidston and Belmont Bowling Club, The Breastfeeding Network, Ayr Action for Mental Health, Ayr Ex-Services Club - Hearts & Minds and Unity Grill CIC.

A fund of up to £45,000 was available at the event, at Ayr Town Hall on Saturday, May 20. Community groups pitched to an audience of local people about their proposal, who then voted to decide which groups should receive funding.

More than 150 people turned out to take part in the latest event aimed at getting more people actively involved in local decision making with anyone over the age of twelve taking part in the electronic vote.

The event is part of a new way to encourage people to get actively involved in local decision making. 

South Ayrshire Council and the Ayr South and Coylton Locality Planning Group invited people from Alloway and Doonfoot, Ayr South Harbour and Town Centre, Belmont, Castlehill & Kincaidston, Holmston & Forehill, and Coylton to get involved.

Claire Monaghan, South Ayrshire Council’s Head of Communities said:

“Word is now getting around about the benefits of taking part in the decision days and I’m pleased to see so many local people choosing to get involved.

“The response on the day was fantastic, with dozens of groups coming along to state their case for funding as they bid to improve lives in their own neighbourhoods. We’re committed to making life better for our communities and this way of working gives people a voice.”