A GROUP in Dalmellington is set to benefit from a funding surge from East Ayrshire Council's (EAC) Early Intervention Fund.

The fund is a pot of £40million that has been set aside to be used over the next 10 years and help tackle inequality, child poverty and increase fairness in communities.

EAC chief executive Eddie Fraser said this cash would be spent trying to help some of the worst-hit areas of the local authority, with the council keen to ensure the investment makes a lasting difference.

The Zone in Dalmellington is set to receive an incredible boost of £400,000 each.

Yipworld in Cumnock and CentreStage in Kilmarnock are also set to benefit from the cash injection.

The money will aims to deliver place-based supports that reduce poverty, demonstrate fairness, provide skills for learning and work, move individuals into employment and reduce demand in other areas.

The projects will be monitored on a regular basis and the results shared with cabinet and government colleagues to identify best practice and opportunities to provide benefits to other parts of the public sector.

Councillor Jennifer Hogg of Doon Valley was understandably delighted to see some of the cash being spent in Dalmellington.

The SNP representative said: "The Zone is based in Dalmellington within the Doon Valley area and is therefore uniquely placed in East Ayrshire to provide insights into the needs and challenges which families living in rural communities face.

"I look forward to seeing how this programme will seek to secure positive results for our communities within the whole Doon Valley and the positive outcomes that we can expect to see.

"Projects will look to focus on alternative learning programmes; positive social network and activities; linking with partner organisations to build new skills and interests; and improving daily routines through positive social networks.”