WEST FIFE communities have the opportunity to decide how £170,000 of funding will be used in the area.

Residents and groups in Kincardine, Culross, Low Valleyfield, High Valleyfield, Newmills and Torryburn are being asked to think of ideas for projects that will improve their villages.

Both Scottish Power and the Fife Council have two pots of cash to help revive the area after the ash lagoon dust incident in 2017 and the closure of Longannet Power Station in 2016.

Funding allocation will be overseen by the Forward West Fife Steering Group, which is made up of representatives from the five area community councils and the West Fife Village Forum.

They are leading on a participatory budget exercise so residents can help to form ideas on how this money could be used. Villagers will also be a part of the decision-making for where the funds will be allocated.

Depute convener of the council’s South and West Fife area committee, Councillor Graeme Downie, hopes that there’s strong interest from local people in shaping how the Forward West Fife funding is invested.

He said: "These kind of opportunities are all about giving people a direct say in where funds can most make a difference to their community. People and groups in the villages in West Fife always have fantastic ideas about how to improve their area and I am sure we will see a range of ideas and suggestions again from people who can deliver amazing projects using a share of this funding."

Projects that include one of these themes: protection of environment and reduction of climate change impact; development of knowledge, skills and education; development of ‘good neighbour’ practices and community development; development of heritage, culture and creativity within the local community; or the support of the most disadvantaged or needy with a focus on poverty prevention, will be allocated up to £10,000 from the £120,000 Legacy Fund.

Alternatively, ideas that meet the Plan 4 Fife's ambitions criteria, opportunities for all, thriving places, inclusive growth and jobs or community-led services will also be considered.

Projects that are focused on environmental improvements or renewable energy and energy efficiency will be considered for up to £10,000 of the £50,000 Energy and Climate Fund. This would include solar and wind power solutions for local projects, walking initiatives, community food-growing and training on environment or wildlife issues.

Cllr Sam Steele, who has also been involved in the project, added: "Support and advice is available from any of the five well-established and highly-experienced community councils involved in the Forward West Fife Steering Group.

"I’d encourage anyone with an improvement idea to get in touch with them to chat through how their suggestion fits with the funding criteria and, most importantly, how to turn the idea into an application."

People with initial ideas are asked to get in touch over the next four weeks. If you are not part of a formal group then the council will try to match you with a group that could be awarded the funding.

For more information, contact Forward West Fife through your local community council, email letstalk.swf@fife.gov.uk or visit https://our.fife.scot/southwestfife.