PHASE two of West Dunbartonshire Council's 'Your Community Funding' has been described as "hugely successful," according to a report.

The first round of community budgeting was delivered over November 2016, when £25,000 was available in each 'Your Community' area- with applications of up to £2,000 accepted.

But Phase 1 did not enjoy the success that was initially hoped, as many participants and other stakeholders "reported concern" at the £2,000 cap on bids didn’t allow much scope for larger community projects.

However, a report to go before members of the Community Planning West Dunbartonshire Management Board this week states that the second phase of the initiative, which saw the funding cap raised to £10,000, was a resounding success.

And there may be a third phase planned to dish out remaining cash in the pot.

The report, from Amanda Coulthard, WDC's corporate and community planning manager states: "The first round of community budgeting was delivered over November 2016, with useful feedback from these events used to inform the second phase of community budgeting in May 2017.

"Phase two of community budgeting commenced in February 2017, with

widespread advertising and drop in events held over March to support

development of bids ahead of the 10th April submission deadline.

"Almost 100 expressions of interest and applications were received for phase 2 of

community budgeting and 72 of these are progressed to voting events.

"Nine local voting events took place over a three-week period from May 23 to June 7 2017.

"Almost 500 local residents came along to participate in these events over the three weeks, with hundreds more taking part through email voting."

Her report also goes on to say: "In this second phase of community budgeting, held over May/June 2017, 62 projects were successfully funded and 10 projects were unsuccessful in securing funding.

"A total of £311,407 was allocated across these projects, £28,986 of which was revenue.

"This was a hugely successful funding round, leaving just over £100,000 of the

original £425,000 of capital funding available for a further round.

"Discussions are taking place at the Your Community Strategic Steering Group on the best way to open out the remaining funding to communities across West

Dunbartonshire."

Since the introduction of the scheme, which the council set aside £1m for, community organisations were able to fund initiatives including upgrading sporting facilities, installing floodlighting at sports pitches, upgrading local facilities and resources, purchasing computer equipment, installing benches and delivering greenspace projects, amongst others.

The money is also being used by groups to target and reduce social isolation through group activities.

This includes organising educational trips and hosting community events – with a few groups providing Christmas trips and fayres.

Organisations already funded include Age Concern, Men’s Shed and Central Radnor Park Tenants and Residents Association in Clydebank, and Meadow United and Friends of Levengrove Park in Dumbarton.

The allocation breakdown is as follows: Alexandria (£24,720) 4 projects, Balloch and Haldane (£20,742) 4 projects, Bonhill and Dalmonach (£18,523) 2 projects, Bowling and Milton (£24,780) 5 projects, Dalmuir and Mountblow (£31,050) 7 projects, Dumbarton East and Central (£13,934) 7 projects, Dumbarton North (£19,467) 4 projects, Dumbarton West (£23,979) 4 projects, Duntocher and Hardgate (£19,557) 2 projects, Faifley (£26,628) 5 projects, Kilmaronock (£19,676) 3 projects, Old Kilpatrick (£16,690) 4 projects, Parkhall, North Kilbowie and Central (£15,546) 5 projects, Renton (£9,796) 2 projects.