COMMUNITY groups in Dumbarton have been urged to apply to the Common Good Fund which has a budget of almost £330,000 set aside for 2020/21.

West Dunbartonshire Council has agreed the budget for the next three financial years which will see £328,908, £402,412 and £475,916 set aside in 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23.

In recent years there has been a greater interest for funding from community organisations, including charities and local businesses.

As the initiative is competitive, applications are considered on individual merit. Those groups which make the most convincing arguments for funding will be the most likely to succeed.

Consideration will be given to a range of factors including the number of local people involved in and benefitting from the activity.

Speaking at a full council meeting last week, Labour councillor Martin Rooney (pictured) said: “I am obviously happy to agree the recommendations. The Dumbarton Common Good fund is there to support projects within Dumbarton.

“A number of years ago, we put £40,000 a year away to build up expecting a sizeable amount of funds for good projects.

“It doesn’t seem to be panning out that way at the moment. I am genuinely interested in what the town centre group are planning to do with the capital in the future.”

Councillor John Mooney was informed that the fund is designed to help projects which have a positive impact in the town centre.

Richard Cairns, strategic director of regeneration, environment and growth, said: “Applications can come from the third sector, registered charities, cooperatives, social enterprise companies and local businesses.

“It’s designed to fund works of up to £1,000 per project.

“In 2019 the projects that were funded included improvements to property frontages in the high street and supporting the development of the Dumbarton 2020 Festival with fees for a consultant for the development of that festival.

“Applications are still being considered for refurbishment of a unit at 74 High Street to be used as a health café and for an arts organisation associated with Glencairn House. There is still scope for the types of bodies and individuals I told you about to make applications.”