COUNCIL bosses have performed a U-turn on attempts to charge a community group for using a public space in the centre of Clydebank.

The Post previously reported how Awestruck Academy, based on Sylvania Way South, were asked to fork out £500 by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) after hosting a small group of youngsters on Three Queens Square.

The centre had several tables outside its premises with the Clydebank Sea Cadets doing CPR demonstrations when WDC approached organisers for the fee, which it says covers the administrative process of obtaining a licence for the event.

It led to the creative arts hub starting a campaign requesting that the “disgraceful” fee be scrapped for community led cultural and educational events.

Now WDC has waived the fee for Awestruck Academy’s use of the square after pressure from the group.

A spokesperson said: “The council has a duty to ensure all events being held at our sites take place safely with appropriate protocols in place and as such it is necessary to regulate the use of these open spaces.

“This fee covers the administrative process of obtaining a licence for the event as well as conducting pre and post event inspections which protect our residents and assets.

“All event applications are assessed on an individual basis.

“The council is keen to support youth charities and we absorbed the cost for Awestruck Academy’s performance at Three Queens Square.”

While the group welcomed the move, Joe Munn from Awestruck said they will not stop campaigning to have the fee scrapped completely.

He said: “It’s great news that the council will waive the charges, but we need to know if this will be the case going forward.

“We will not stop the campaign.

“I’m fully supportive of WDC having something in place to manage the use of Three Queens Square, it can’t be a free-for-all.

“But our argument is that community groups and charities who are trying to bring some life and add to the cultural side of Clydebank should not be charged for using what is a civic space.”

Marie McNair, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie and a ward councillor for Clydebank Waterfront, where Three Queens Square is located, added: “I was disappointed to hear that this active and valuable group had been charged for the use of Three Queens Square.

“I am absolutely delighted that the charge will be waived. We must be thoughtful about how we support our community."