Communities to have their say on investment

Community groups in four communities across East Renfrewshire will have a chance to bid for a share of £90,000.

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

Community groups, voluntary groups and non-profit organisations can submit their ideas and apply for a grant of £250-£2,000 from this fund. Local residents then have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favourite projects at voting events where groups will showcase and present their ideas.

Now in its third year, this successful method of community decision making, known as Participatory Budgeting (PB), is a key part of the council’s commitment to the Community Empowerment Act, which shines a light on the amazing work of local volunteers and helps energise local people to bring communities together.

Funding ideas for new or existing projects should benefit the communities and address one or more of the six key community priorities that were highlighted by local residents. These priorities are community safety/feeling safe, community activity/health and wellbeing, environment, employability/financial inclusion/learning opportunities, older people, children and young people.

Projects must show community involvement, either in the planning or delivery, with special consideration given to applications which address inequalities. The process is overseen by Linking Communities, an umbrella group made up of representatives from Barrhead, Neilston and Thornliebank.

Councillor Colm Merrick, Convener for Community Services and Community Safety, 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. 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. I hope all of our residents living in Auchenback, Barrhead, Neilston and Thornliebank who are able to attend the community voting events in March will come along, vote and have their say about the local issues which are most important to them.”

Oonagh McKinnon, Chair of Linking Communities, said: “We are delighted that East Renfrewshire Council has continued to fund the grant making process within these areas. As an organisation we have seen first-hand the difference even small amounts of money can make to fantastic projects working to make real change in our communities. Linking Communities is happy to facilitate this process and looks forward to working closely with the council.”

Applications for funding are now open and close on Monday 10 February 2020 at 5pm. The application pack can be found online by accessing the following link: http://bit.do/LC2020Application

Community voting events will be held across the area to allow groups to present their ideas and allow residents to vote on which projects will receive funding:

• Barrhead and Auchenback: Saturday 14 March 2020 from 10am-2pm at Barrhead Foundry with voting open from 11am-1pm
• Neilston: Saturday 28 March 2020 from 10am-2pm at Glen Halls with voting open from 11am-1pm
• Thornliebank: Saturday 21 March 2020 from 10am-2pm at Thorntree Hall with voting open from 11am-1pm.

Last Updated: 13 January 2020 16:22

Source: East Renfrewshire Council

Latest Local News

Local and Family History Classes in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure is running a series of classes to help residents get started on their family tree and local history research.

Last Updated: 17th February 2020

Help shape the future of your local community

East Renfrewshire residents are being urged to take part in upcoming community council elections.

Last Updated: 16th February 2020

Final Call for applications to be on CBBC Marrying Mum and Dad

Couples all over the UK are being offered help in organising their wedding but there’s a catch... the entire thing has to be arranged by their kids.

Last Updated: 5th February 2020

World Cancer Day: Prog Rock Legend signs guitar for charity fundraiser

To coincide with World Cancer Day, the promoter behind Prog in the Park, announced that an acoustic guitar signed by prog rock legend Steve Hackett will be the star prize at the event’s auction.

Last Updated: 5th February 2020

Stylish new charity shop opens in Newton Mearns

Fashion followers will be thrilled to learn that Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has opened a three floor, boutique store at 102 Ayr Road in Newton Mearns.

Last Updated: 4th February 2020

It is time to get your kit on and make a difference... Sport Relief is back!

Today Sport Relief is revealing a flavour of its star-studded line-up to get the UK pumped up and ready to get their kit on to change lives!

Last Updated: 4th February 2020

Residents love to live in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council's annual Citizens Panel Survey has found that 95% of residents are satisfied with the area as a place to live.

Last Updated: 31st January 2020

Best hickory players in the world to compete in first Scottish Hickory Tour since 1930

The world’s best hickory players are coming together next month to compete in the first Scottish Hickory Tour since 1930.

Last Updated: 29th January 2020

Rewind Scotland 2020 Line Up

Rewind The 80s Music Festival, the world’s first and biggest 80s music festival, is back in 2020 celebrating it’s 10-year-Anniversary at Scone Palace, Perth.

Last Updated: 28th January 2020

Drop into a garden near you

Winter will soon give way to spring and snowdrops will bloom across Inverclyde, carpeting the region with this popular flowering plant.

Last Updated: 24th January 2020

Get discounted tickets to the Scottish Cycling, Running & Outdoor Pursuits Show

It's back! Scotland's premier event for outdoor sports returns for 2020 and you can save 50% on tickets with our special discount code!

Last Updated: 23rd January 2020

Family Half Term Fun With Macdonald Resorts

Macdonald Resorts is offering half-term discounts on all holiday accommodation at their resorts throughout both the UK and Spain.

Last Updated: 23rd January 2020

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire: Applications Open!

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is now casting for the next series and searching for Britain’s brightest brains to take part.

Last Updated: 22nd January 2020

The Scottish Wedding Show returns for its February showcase

Scotland’s largest wedding showcase will be returning to the SEC, Glasgow next month, offering brides and grooms-to-be everything they need to plan their perfect wedding, under one roof!

Last Updated: 17th January 2020

Communities to have their say on investment

Community groups in four communities across East Renfrewshire will have a chance to bid for a share of £90,000.

Last Updated: 13th January 2020

Book up to break away with Macdonald Resorts

Macdonald Resorts has unveiled its 2020 holiday offers and Winter Sale!

Last Updated: 13th January 2020

Clyde in the Classroom celebrates 20 years of river ecology

Clyde in the Classroom – a unique, hands-on project that seeks to bring the River Clyde into classrooms around the West of Scotland – is celebrating its 20th anniversary!

Last Updated: 9th January 2020

World class art exhibitions on screen at Eastwood Park

Eastwood Park Theatre is bringing some of the world’s greatest art exhibitions, artists and galleries to its big screen this year!

Last Updated: 8th January 2020

Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2020 Programme Announced

The Whyte & Mackay Glasgow International Comedy Festival is turning eighteen in style with over 500 shows running between 12th and 29th March with 60 venues across Glasgow taking part!

Last Updated: 8th January 2020

Salvage Hunters on hunt for Scottish locations to feature on the upcoming series

Salvage Hunters, the well-loved and most watched Discovery Network show is on the hunt for locations to feature on the upcoming series.

Last Updated: 7th January 2020

Walk Leader Volunteers wanted

Can you offer 30 minutes of your time each week to support local walking groups?

Last Updated: 13th December 2019

Macdonald Resorts to help spread Christmas cheer with Emergency Service Discount

To thank Emergency Service workers and help them relax after the festive season, Macdonald Resorts is offering an exclusive discount to be enjoyed after the big day.

Last Updated: 12th December 2019

Eastwood Park Theatre invites isolated adults to join in some free panto fun

Eastwood Park Theatre is inviting people feeling lonely or isolated at this time of year to soak up some free festive fun at their official pantomime, Cinderella.

Last Updated: 11th December 2019

Planning a festive proposal...

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has marked the most romantic locations within its hotels with a velvet cushion designed to provide comfort to those getting down on one knee.

Last Updated: 10th December 2019

Charity Food Train announces East Renfrewshire expansion following funding boost

Vulnerable people across East Renfrewshire will benefit from grocery home deliveries as local charity, Food Train, plans to roll-out state of the art electric delivery vans across the region.

Last Updated: 1st December 2019

Get your hands on some of the hottest tickets in town this Black Friday

This Black Friday sees some amazing offers available on tickets for the biggest and best shows and gigs in Glasgow and Edinburgh!

Last Updated: 29th November 2019

Lewis Capaldi, Liam Gallagher and Courteeners to headline TRNSMT 2020

Lewis Capaldi, Courteeners and Liam Gallagher bring top drawer headline performances to the heart of the city when TRNSMT returns in 2020!

Last Updated: 26th November 2019

Showcase Glasgow East upgraded to state of the art cinema

Cinema-goers can now enjoy state of the art comfort at the movies thanks to the recent completion of a luxury refurbishment to Showcase Glasgow East, which has re-branded as a Showcase Cinema de Lux!

Last Updated: 15th November 2019

Cat Hepburn embarks on Scottish student tour as part of Book Week Scotland

The Scottish Book Trust has announced that award winning scriptwriter and spoken word artist Cat Hepburn will embark on a tour for Scottish students as part of Book Week Scotland.

Last Updated: 13th November 2019