A CLYDEBANK charity’s bid for a grant of £20,000 to help install a “changing places” toilet at its premises has been put on hold while more information is sought about the group’s finances.

Dalmuir-based Golden Friendships has applied to the Alexander Cross Cameron Trust Fund, which is overseen by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC), for money to carry out the work at its Nairn Place base.

Last week the Post reported that a WDC official had recommended the bid be refused because it did not appear to fit in with the trust’s aims.

Councillors on the Alexander Cross Cameron Bequest Committee said they supported Golden Friendships’ work and were minded to approve the application – but said they wanted to find out more about the charity’s financial standing before making a final decision.

A report to last week’s meeting stated that the charity had £104,355 in the bank as of January 29 this year.

But councillors decided they wanted to know how much of that money is held in ‘earmarked reserves’ – i.e. not capable of being spent on the “changing places” facility – before making a final decision on the grant.

Councillor Marie McNair said: “I know the group very well. I am very supportive of what they do, and what they have done, not only during the pandemic, but before, to combat social isolation.

“It is a really worthwhile proposal, and it is a need in West Dunbartonshire.

“They have a really large bank balance, but we don’t know what is allocated for the refurb.”

Golden Friendships say they’ll contribute £7,000 to the total £27,000 cost of the project if the grant is approved.

Councillor Danny Lennie said: “We don’t get grants like this from disabled groups in general.

“I would like to continue this to find out exactly what is earmarked and exactly how much they need to hold in reserves.

“It is a project certainly worth looking at and worth continuing.”