COMMUNITY leaders in Galashiels are considering starting a ‘Pay a Pound’ campaign – to help spruce up the town.

Last week councillors agreed to set aside £12,000 of Gala’s pay parking cash to fund materials and employ contractors to carry out gardening duties.

But chairwoman of Galashiels Community Council, Judith Cleghorn, told last week’s meeting she had a new idea to raise vital funds after cuts were made to maintenance services earlier this year.

She said: “Gala in Bloom requested the money from the pay parking fund for the upkeep of the gardens in the town. Another idea we had was to introduce a Pay a Pound campaign in January.

“We would ask Galashiels residents if they were willing to donate £1 so we can make sure the town looks good.

“We have got to be Tapestry ready. Everything is really starting to take shape and this is a really exciting time for the town.”

As previously reported, changes have been made to maintenance services across the Borders due to “significant financial challenges”.

And local community councillor Drew Tulley hopes Galaleans will lend a hand.

He said: “The view in the town has been one of disgust, when it comes to losing gardens.

“But we now have the chance to turn that negative into a positive and we should be encouraging more people to come forward.”