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The Scottish Government has said it is to provide the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) with £753,000 to support its work with former coalfields communities in the country.
Since 2002, the CRT has used around £17m of Scottish Government funding to support more than 900 projects. The projects operated in four areas of Scotland and are Ayrshire and Upper Nithsdale, Clydesdale and Strathkelvin, Fife and Central Scotland, and Lothian.
It is understood this new funding will directly assist organisations in the above areas and support grass roots community groups to promote volunteering and community involvement, and engage local people in activities that will improve their health. It will also support CRT in its advisory role and in undertaking the work it does with communities.
Forming either capital or revenue investment, local groups will be awarded between £500 to £10,000.
Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess welcomed the announcement as she visited Netherthird Community Action Training in Cumnock. The organisation, which previously received £50,000 in CRT funding, provides young people with training and employment opportunities in garden maintenance and landscaping across Cumnock and surrounding areas.
She said: "Community anchor organisations drive change across a broad spectrum of activity including environmental issues, promoting local economic growth, tacking unemployment and engaging in arts and cultural activity.
"This is evident at Netherthird Community Action Training, where young people have been helped into employment through its variety of training placements, modern apprenticeships and work placements.
"Our commitment to provide the Coalfields Regeneration Trust with £753,000 in funding will deliver direct support to organisations operating in coalfield communities. We have awarded this funding to help local people strengthen their own communities through active citizenship and community learning.
"The regeneration of our most disadvantaged communities is vital to help make them a better place for the people who live there, to help build better local economies and create employment opportunities."
(JP/IT)
