Fife village decides how to spend £20k

The Fife Council funding is also to be used to support people to become more active and improve their mental health and wellbeing.

The consultation was organised by the council to involve people in local decision-making about how to improve their village and make it a place where they feel they belong to their community, enjoy their environment and have access to open spaces or community facilities.

Using an online system, CONSUL, community groups and voluntary organisations from Guardbridge were invited to propose and vote for a number of projects for the local area which would succeed in creating a thriving place, reducing inequalities and tackling social isolation.

Based on votes, seven projects are due to benefit from the funding as decided by local voters: Christmas lights; outdoor exercise equipment; community cabin equipment; community flag; Christmas tree replacement; calisthenics park; and community garden seating.

Councillors Jonny Tepp, Tim Brett and Bill Connor thanked the members of the community who participated as well as Fife Council’s local community learning and development team, saying: “We very much look forward to seeing the projects progress and hope that the community will enjoy the benefits from this exercise.”

Given the high quality of the remaining projects that had applied for funding, Fife Council is supporting them to source alternative monies.

Guardbridge Community Council, which supported the participatory budgeting exercise, said: “Guardbridge Community Council was pleased to see so many projects and suggestions put forward for a share of the available funding and are delighted that a variety of projects have been funded, which will hopefully see Guardbridge become a fitter, healthier, happier and better place.

“Residents are thanked for their engagement with the project and taking the time to vote.

“The community council is always happy to hear from residents with community concerns and has vacancies on the council if anyone is interested please contact us either via Facebook – www.facebook.com/GuardbridgeCC – or by emailing [email protected].”

Similar funding schemes have been run around Fife.