MORE than 40 community projects across West Dunbartonshire will benefit from a share of £500,000 from the Year of the Young People legacy fund.

Just over half of the 80 applications received by the local authority were successful with bids requested totalling £1.9 million.

The 43 organisations selected by a panel made up of a senior education officer, finance officer, involvement and engagement officer and member of the Youth Parliament were deemed to offer a “lasting impact” to their community.

Those who were unsuccessful have been informed and have been encouraged to apply to other schemes including the Heritage Lottery Fund and Children in Need.

The legacy fund was discussed at the corporate services committee last Wednesday morning.

Labour councillor Martin Rooney said: “I am really pleased to see this report. I think looking at the detail – it looks like you have hit a lot of the community groups we would expect to see applying.

“I am not really surprised to see the amount of interest in it.”

The fund was set up as part of the Scottish Government’s programme of themed years and 2018 was The Year of Young People.

It aimed to inspire Scotland through its young people, celebrating their achievements, valuing their contribution to communities and creating new opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally.

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The Year of The Young Person legacy fund was established by the local authority in 2019/20 to support properly constituted groups across West Dunbartonshire who provide activities and services to children and young people.

Organisations which benefited included the National Autistic Society Scotland, Golden Friendships and Clydebank Salvation Army.

SNP councillor Jonathan McColl, council leader, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the report here today in terms of the support we will be able to give to a wide range of groups across West Dunbartonshire and I echo the comments made in that regard by the opposition.

“I would like some more information on why some of the organisations have been rejected. I’ve had a few queries from clubs who want to understand what more they can do when putting in funding bids in the future.”

Advice will be given to unsuccessful applicants who will also be directed to other funding opportunities.

The successful projects will last between one and four years and all grant money must be spent in full by March 31, 2023.