Leith Decides: It's like the X-Factor for community projects

Local people in Leith are being given the chance to take part in an exciting new pilot project which will see them make some very tough decisions on local funding.

Anyone who lives or works in the Leith Neighbourhood Partnership area is eligible to vote - and there are some real decisions to make. There are a huge range of proposals, including proposals for a community orchard project in Montgomery Street Park, a new smartboard for Hermitage Park Primary School, new tents for a local Scout troop, support for young people to learn how to produce radio programmes and an application from Leith Festival for funding for the Christmas Lights at the Foot of the Walk. In total there are 29 projects, worth more than £26,000 that are looking for a share of the £16,000 pot that is available through the process.

The special voting event will take place at Leith Academy on Saturday 27 November from 1pm.

The people behind each proposal will be given just 3 minutes to explain to the audience why they should reecieve funding. Then, in an 'X Factor' style vote, the public will  be asked to score each group out of five, with the winners receiving funding of up to £1,000 each. The results will be announced at the end of the day.

Councillor Jenny Dawe, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: "This is a worthwhile project focusing on the local groups in Leith, and is good example of empowering communities by devolving funding decisions to a local level."

 You can find out more details about the projects that will be looking for your vote from the Leith Neighbourhood Partnership website. Which ones do you think are worth 5 out of 5?