A FUND set up for community projects across Argyll and Bute is significantly over-subscribed, according to a new report.

The £50,000 Sustainable Community Initiatives Fund has attracted 48 applications from community groups throughout the area, together applying for £148,089 – almost three times the sum actually available – meaning that most of the applicants are likely to end up disappointed.

A report for Argyll and Bute Council's environment, development and infrastructure (EDI) committee, which met in Lochgilphead on Thursday, states that 13 applications were received from groups in Helensburgh and Lomond, seeking a total of £42,146, but only six met the application criteria.

Those six sought a total of £13,695.

The report, by Jennifer Swanson, the council's project manager for transformation, does not disclose which groups applied for funding, nor the projects for which they sought financial help.

Ms Swanson's report states that all applicants will be informed of the outcome this month, that “members will be kept informed”, and that “an update report will be brought to EDI in December”.

Ms Swanson's report states: “There are many worthwhile projects that the Fund cannot support because they do not meet the criteria to assist with the transition and change to ground maintenance and tackle litter.

“For example, feasibility studies, building repairs, community boat building, paths projects, support for small businesses, large-scale tree planting and projects which are not accessible by the wider public.”

The fund is part of a £200,000 pot set aside by the council in its 2017-18 budget for environmental improvements across Argyll and Bute.

Half of that pot will be used to employ four 'environmental wardens', with responsibility for monitoring dog fouling and littering, with one of the four to be based in Helensburgh and Lomond.