RESIDENTS in Tweeddale are being encouraged to bid for new funding to improve their communities.

Applications for the first phase of the £500,000 Localities Bid Fund are now open until Friday, December 1.

The overall fund is split between five areas - Berwickshire, Cheviot, Eildon, Teviot and Liddesdale, and Tweeddale - with each one allocated a certain amount based on its population.

Tweeddale has been allocated a total of £91,416.20.

Councillor Robin Tatler (Ind), chairman of the Tweeddale Locality Committee said: "I'd encourage as many people as possible to pitch their ideas to the Council before the December 1 deadline.

"Applications will be voted on by members of the public in Tweeddale itself so it's a chance for them to have a big say on how money will be spent in the area.”

Anyone aged 16 and older who lives, works, volunteers or studies in the area, as well as community groups, are eligible to apply.

All bids received for each area will be reviewed by a panel of councillors and key council staff before going to a public vote early next year.

For more information about the Localities Bid Fund and how to apply visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/localitiesbidfund

For more information contact SBC's Communications and Marketing team: 01835 826632 or communications@scotborders.gov.uk