A little late thanks to staff holidays here at Singletrack but here’s a good news press release from the chaps and chappesses at AIMUp to cheer your rainy Tuesday…
AIMUp Community Ballot Result
“AIMUp”, the community group from Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders progressing plans to build a permanent mechanical uplift, has reported the outcome of its recent community ballot. The ballot is a required step for the group to acquire the Forestry Commission land needed to build the uplift, and came with stringent requirements to prove community support, including a minimum 50% turnout.
After the official count, the following result was declared:
Eligible voting population = 4115
Total number of votes = 2722
Turnout = 66.2%
Votes in favour of AIMUp proposal = 2488
Percentage in favour = 91.4%
Votes against = 184
Spoilt papers = 50
The AIMUp team was blown away by this result. They felt the turnout in particular is testament to the community’s willingness to engage with the project, and its desire to embrace the chance to make a difference.
With 60% of the eligible voters saying ‘Yes’ to the project, the team has a suitable mandate to progress. The result means the FCS National Forest Land Scheme minimum requirements of demonstrating community support have been met comfortably. Now the team is able to press ahead with the application to acquire the land in question.
Ian Campbell from AIMUp added: “We want to say a massive thanks to all who voted, the volunteers who helped with the project, and the FCS Seedcorn Grant which helped fund the ballot. Now it’s up to us to drive the project forward, deliver on the expectations that have been raised, ensure the uplift is built, that new jobs are created, and more visitors come to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the Tweed Valley.”
For further information, or if you would like to get involved, please contact Ian Campbell at innerleithenaimup@gmail.com, see the group’s webpage at aimup.org.uk or Facebook.
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A day at glentress followed by a days uplift at inners, sounds perfect 🙂
What a great effort to get so many people to vote; the majority of them likely don’t mountainbike or downhill – but great to see the willingness to support a local investment in biking.