The new process will expand on existing work from West Lothian Council’s Housing Service to engage residents on ideas for projects that will improve areas within council housing estates.

Initially, the focus will be on areas of land around council-owned housing areas in Blackburn, Whitburn & Bathgate.

The first stage of the process runs from August 2 until October 4 when members of the public will be asked to submit their ideas which can then be considered for allocation of funds from the tenant’s environmental improvement budget.

This will allow communities to put forward project ideas for areas of housing land, for example ideas could range from community gardens and grow your own spaces to improving hedging and open spaces.

For details and more for consideration on the overall process including examples of potential improvements, please visit here.

Following the initial stage, the suggestions will be refined by a panel which will include council housing tenants, prior to a public vote where a final shortlist of ideas will be narrowed down and selected for funding.

George Paul, executive councillor for services for the community, said: “This process builds on existing work between the Housing service and local tenant’s groups in encouraging even more council tenants and the wider public, to get involved in deciding how money can be allocated towards improving local housing areas on council owned land.

“This will hopefully empower tenants and the wider community to come together and decide the best approach for their local area. It is vital that we hear from as many people as possible from across our local communities and I would urge anyone with any suggestions to please get involved.”