The LEAP Project have taken over the lease of the former Halfway Library and aim to provide a space for people to meet, interact and build relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing social isolation.

A range of leisure and learning opportunities aimed at improving mental and physical wellbeing will also be offered.

The group received £2,500 from the fund.

Stuart McGregor, LEAP’s executive director said: “When LEAP stepped in to keep Halfway Library in community ownership, we knew it was important to refurbish the interior and make it an accessible and welcoming place for local people to come to access classes and activities, and to be able to rent it out for events.

“We have spent nine months working to bring the building up to standard as a welcoming and sustainable Community Hub, and participatory budgeting has been an important part of the process as local people have voted for funds to be spent on this vital work.”

Council Leader and Chair of the Community Planning Partnership, Councillor Joe Fagan, said: “Participatory Budgeting works best because it targets what local people tell us they need.

“I am pleased that the funding will allow LEAP to create a community hub in Halfway.

“It once again shows the tremendous sense of community we have across South Lanarkshire, and I would like to thank everyone involved with the group for all the invaluable work they do.”