COUNCIL bosses will open up applications once again for a share of a £300,000 community pot.

The Localities Bid Fund proved popular in 2017 when 18 different groups and organisations shared more than £200,000 for projects across the region.

But a tightening of rules for the second round earlier this year led to the scheme being postponed due to a lack of applications.

Following a further revision of the rules at Newtown St Boswells, Scottish Borders Council will once again invite applications from Monday, January 7.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison said: "This remains a great opportunity for local communities to take forward projects that can have a positive impact in their town or village.

"Members of the public will vote for the ideas they want to see delivered and I hope we attract a good number of bids for them to choose from in each of the five localities in the Borders."

The new relaxed entry criteria doesn't restrict applications to just new projects.

The cap has been raised from £10,000 to £15,000, staffing costs of 50 percent of the total application will be considered, and structural changes to buildings will now be considered.

Applications for Scottish Borders Council’s Localities Bid Fund will be accepted until 5pm on Thursday, February 28.

Application forms and guidance are now available at www.scotborders.gov.uk/LocalitiesBidFund