YOUNG people living in the Garnock Valley are being urged to get their funding applications in for the chance to win £450 for their community.

The roll-out of the council’s Young Persons Participatory Budgeting pilot will see local youth groups and individuals aged 12-25 given the chance to pursue their ideas as the event visits each of North Ayrshire’s six localities.

So far, the event has already taken place in Kilwinning where over £3,500 was awarded, and in the Three Towns. 

Any young person or youth group wishing to get involved and make a pitch for funding should get their applications into the council’s Youth Participation and Empowerment Team no later than two weeks before an event is set to take place in their area.

Projects and ideas seeking funding can be wide and varied, as long as they help enhance opportunities for young people in the local community. This can include the set-up of a new group/club, purchasing new equipment, trips, fun days, taking part in a new sport – and much more.

Council Leader Willie Gibson, said: “Our Participatory Budgeting events have been hugely successful, so it’s only fitting that we allow our young people to get involved too. After all, we are well aware of how ambitious our young people are for their communities.

“We look forward to hearing what they have to say and seeing how they can use this money to really make a difference to our communities.”

The next events will take place as follows: Irvine – Thursday, August 4 at 11.30am at Redburn Community Centre, North Coast – Monday, August 8 at 1pm at West Kilbride Community Centre, Garnock Valley – Tuesday, August 9 at 11am atGarnock Academy.

Application forms are available by calling 01294 475900 or by emailing youthpb@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.