COMMUNITIES across Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor will be asked how they’d like to see at least £100,000 spent on bringing the area’s roads and pavements up to scratch.

East Ren Decides is an East Renfrewshire Council pilot project that will share a £600,000 cash pot between infrastructure projects across four areas – including Levern Valley, which takes in Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor.

Residents will vote on 33 projects – valued at between between £35,000 and £100,000 – with at least £100,000 guaranteed to each area, with a further £200,000 handed to the locality with the most votes.

Councillor Colm Merrick, convener for community services and community safety, told the Barrhead News: “Upgrading residential roads and pavements is consistently identified as a top priority for local residents through the Citizens’ Panel survey and now you will have the chance to decide.

“The power is with our residents.”

The other locality areas are: Newton Mearns; Thornliebank and Giffnock; and Netherlee, Stamperland, Clarkston, Busby, Eaglesham and Waterfoot.

ERC selected the zones based on roughly equal population and the inclusion of a broad cross-section of community groups.

Winning projects will be announced in late September before work takes place between January and March of next year.

Councillor Alan Lafferty, convener of environment, added:“Whilst we all recognise resources often make it difficult to make the necessary improvements to residential streets, this scheme will allow much-needed work to be carried out. It’s now up to you, so make sure you vote for the project which matters most to you.”

Votes can be cast by residents and business owners by visiting East Renfrewshire Council’s online consultation tool Citizen Space at www.getinvolved.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.