West Linton is considering entering into the Floral Gateway Competition - in the hope of getting into the good books of Scottish Borders Council.

At a community council meeting this week members reckoned it would do the village no harm to put its name forward for the contest organised by SBC’s Neighbourhood Services section.

Secretary Graham Tulloch said: “If we enter the competition they will take a greater interest in the village and they will do their best for us. I think you do get marked down if not having a lot of community involvement.” Last month West Linton community councillors expressed annoyance at SBC’s proposal to cutback some of its services in the village and community councillor Colin Bell joked: “Do we think they’ll clean our toilets if we enter the competition?” Another community councillor John Mackie said: “I find it off-putting when they talk about the community being the key to neighbourhood operations and how that’s going to be cut back.

“I would love to see people doing this but it is a big job to get them involved.” The Floral Gateway Competition - open to communities large and small - is now in its 15th year.

An entry form and further information can be obtained by phoning Neighbourhood Services on 0300 100 1800. The closing date for entries is Friday, May 30.

Councillor David Paterson, SBC’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “The Floral Gateway provides a focus for community effort to improve the appearance of their town or village, and to recognise the hard work and considerable effort made by many people to enhance their local environment.

“I would encourage all Borders communities to get involved in the competition.” It is anticipated that judging will take place from Monday, July 21 over two weeks, with an awards evening at Tweed Horizons on Tuesday, September 2.

For more information, contact the Communications and Marketing team on 01835 826632 or email: communications@scotborders.gov.uk At a community council meeting members reckoned it would do the village no harm to put its name forward for the contest organised by SBC’s Neighbourhood Services section.

Secretary Graham Tulloch said: “If we enter the competition they will take a greater interest in the village and they will do their best for us. I think you do get marked down if not having a lot of community involvement.” Last month West Linton community councillors expressed annoyance at SBC’s proposal to cutback some of its services in the village and community councillor Colin Bell joked: “Do we think they’ll clean our toilets if we enter the competition?” Another community councillor John Mackie said: “I find it off-putting when they talk about the community being the key to neighbourhood operations and how that’s going to be cut back.

“I would love to see people doing this but it is a big job to get them involved.” The Floral Gateway Competition - open to communities large and small - is now in its 15th year.

An entry form and further information can be obtained by phoning Neighbourhood Services on 0300 100 1800. The closing date for entries is Friday, May 30.

Councillor David Paterson, SBC’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “The Floral Gateway provides a focus for community effort to improve the appearance of their town or village, and to recognise the hard work and considerable effort made by many people to enhance their local environment.

“I would encourage all Borders communities to get involved in the competition.” It is anticipated that judging will take place from Monday, July 21 over two weeks, with an awards evening at Tweed Horizons on Tuesday, September 2.

For more information, contact the Communications and Marketing team on 01835 826632 or email: communications@scotborders.gov.uk