A CLYDEBANK group from one of the most deprived areas in the town were given a £3,000 grant despite fierce opposition from a local councillor.

Bailie Denis Agnew took a firm stance against releasing funds to the Clydebank G81 Trust, who have been in existence less than a year and have just £600 in their bank account.

They were looking for the cash to boost their hopes of creating job opportunities.

The trust made an application to the Alexander Cross Cameron Bequest Committee, which is run by the council, and has almost £150,000 in funding to distribute to help community causes.

Jackie Allison, business unit finance partner, corporate functions for West Dunbartonshire Council, told councillors that the purpose of the report was to provide information on grant applications and to recommend grants to voluntary organisations from the Alexander Cross Cameron Trust Fund.

The fund was set up for the benefit of the people of Clydebank to assist those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage. The value of fund as at March 31, 2018 was £148,666.

Councillors were told that the trust’s application was to purchase acoustic curtain material which will provide soundproofing and better lighting conditions in the existing studio.

The group lease premises in Clydebank and have used previously awarded funding to create a music production and creative media centre for local community groups.

By promoting the arts and showcasing the talents of local people, the trust aims to provide training and create employment opportunities.

During debate councillors were also told that he group had advised that the facility is not only open to residents of Clydebank and nor was it intended that the facility will be limited for use by those in need due to age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

The trust said in their application: “While it is anticipated that the facility will be used by people fitting these criteria the facility cannot be limited to them because it is self-funding and this financial input is required to ensure the facility can operate.”

Bailie Agnew said: “I would like to know what they have achieved? There is no justification to give them a grant. They don’t meet the criteria and have not been in existence for a year.”

His motion to refuse was seconded by Cllr Jim Brown.

In response, Councillor Marie McNair said: “It doesn’t matter whether or not it meets the criteria.

“They are from a very disadvantaged area.”

Trust administrators recommended that the application be refused and this was backed by Baillie Agnew, and councillors Diane Docherty and Jim Brown.

However, Provost William Hendrie, supported by councillors Daniel Lennie, Marie McNair, John Mooney and Lawrence O’Neill all voted in favour and the £3,000 grant was approved.

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