MAUCHLINE has been boosted to the tune of £10,000.

Mauchline Matters to 18 local groups who have been awarded funding for their community projects.

Funding of £10,000 was made available as part of a new pilot initiative.

Participatory Budgeting (PB) provides funding to groups or individuals who are based within the pilot community of Mauchline or provide a service that directly benefits the local residents.

A local steering group, made up of members of the Mauchline Community Action Plan Group worked with Vibrant Communities to take a lead locally.

There were 21 projects that applied for funding and were invited to present their ideas in three minute slots at a public event held in Mauchline Community Centre. The gathered audience then voted on who should receive funding.

Among the successful groups were the Beechgrove Park Regeneration, Mauchline Bowling Club, Mauchline Community Association Summer Club, Mauchline Local Directory and Alleringersleben v Mauchline, which will see £750 go towards 35 German visitors who will be staying in Mauchline in September.

Councillor Eoghann MacColl, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: “Vibrant Communities are running this pilot after receiving £10,000 from the Scottish Government for Participatory Budgeting, which was match-funded by East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

“The level of interest from the local community was fantastic and the process made it really straightforward for groups and individuals to apply for funding. The voting process was also transparent. By bringing decision making to the heart of the community the audience was in control. They decided who should receive funding and decisions were taken very quickly.

“I wish to congratulate all of the groups who received funding. All the projects are very worthwhile. The remaining three groups, who applied for funding, will now be supported by Vibrant Communities to develop their ideas and seek alternative funding sources.

“The next event will take place in the second pilot community of Newmilns and Darvel. Valley Ventures will take place on Saturday June 25 in Darvel town hall. Registration will start at 11.30am and presentations start at 12.15pm. This is your opportunity to have your say on who should receive funding to benefit your community.”