COMMUNITY projects in Tweeddale are being invited to apply for a share of more than £60,000.

Scottish Borders Council has launched the second stage of its Localities Bid Fund – doubling the amount that was on offer to Peeblesshire in the first round.

The scheme was set up to support projects that address local priorities and benefit towns, villages and communities. And the public decides where the money goes.

The Tweeddale locality has been given £61,416; while the Eildon area gets £95,802; Cheviot £50,568; Berwickshire £48,374 and Teviot and Liddesdale £40,080.

Each bid will be assessed by a panel of councillors, assisted by council staff, to see if it meets the criteria to go to the public vote.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison (Ind), executive member for neighbourhoods and locality services, said: “This is another chance for people and groups in our communities to put forward their ideas that could improve the lives of local people.

“The first round of the Localities Bid Fund went well and we were really pleased with the amount of applications we received. 

“However, I hope even more people will pitch their projects to us this time and I look forward to seeing a huge variety of ideas being put on the table.

“There was a real sense of excitement when the successful projects were announced during the first phase of the fund. 

“There were also some disappointed people whose bids weren’t successful. 

“However I’m sure many of these people will be motivated to try again.

“We have listened to feedback from the public and we will be making a number changes to the process which will hopefully result in a good spread of money being allocated in each locality. 

“We also want to strengthen the public vote stage so will be asking for people to pre-register when the time comes for this.

“You have the ideas, we have the funding so play your part to improve life in our towns and villages by submitting your bids.”

In a change from the first round of funding, each area partnership will be able to decide the following for their own locality – if there is a cap on the amount groups can bid for; if applications should be based around a certain theme; if funding should be allocated in a certain way (e.g. urban/rural split) and whether a cash contribution from the projects should be required.

The fund is not accepting projects that are already up and running; any retrospective costs already incurred by the applicant; political or religious activities; applications from statutory bodies; organisations who aim to make a profit; or projects that disadvantage any groups or area of the community.

For more information, visit: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/localitiesbidfund