THE clock is ticking in the Localities Bid Fund race and one project is hoping to ramp up some votes to ensure those with wheels can access the heart of the Peebles countryside.

The Callants Club were the driving force behind the accessible ramps at Fotheringham Bridge which successfully came to fruition and re-opened in 2006.

The project allowed wheelchair users and people with prams easier access to Haylodge Park.

But locals and visitors on wheels do hit a stumbling block and cannot enjoy the full circuit of the River Tweed via the three bridges due to two sets of steps.

It’s something Callant Allan Mackenzie hopes to remedy by gaining funds to create a short, level connecting path beside the river.

He said: “When my daughter was born in 2009 it was always on my mind that this would be the final piece in the jigsaw.

“My friend Claire Oliver and I both have MS, we feel it would be a great asset to the town.

"It will also benefit every buggy pushing parent, the elderly and wheelchair users. The path would prevent anyone having to take the long climb up the Old Town onto the busy Glasgow road to access the park.”

Allan has sought advice from experts who all agree the work is possible, but Allan and his supporters need the help of locals.

In a last ditch attempt they are asking people to go online and give their project the thumbs up before voting closes today (Friday). And if you miss this deadline, all you need is a stamp as the postal vote is open until June 14.

Allan concluded: “In life there is nothing that can’t be done without a bit of effort.”