VITAL votes have been secured in the race to secure funding for an environmental project at the heart of a Middlesbrough community.
Easterside Partnership is currently well ahead in the polls to land a £12,500 boost from the Marks and Spencer Community Energy Fund.
But campaigners are determined to fight for every last vote, taking their stall to Marks & Spencer’s Middlesbrough town centre store this week to garner even more local support.
During their visit they secured nearly 100 more votes, and campaigners are hoping they can hold off the competition ahead of next Wednesday’s deadline.
The scheme is one of seven across the North East vying to secure the public’s backing and land the cash – votes can be cast via ecoeasterside.com
If successful, the Easterside project will see the installation of solar panels to help power CCTV cameras at the precinct and LED lighting at the community centre and shops to improve efficiency and help make the whole area safer.
Ladgate Ward Councillor June Goodchild said: “We’ve had great support so far, and it was great to see so many people willing to help us on the way to securing this important grant.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has backed the Community Energy Saving & Safety in Easterside project so far, and would urge as many people as possible to show their support between now and the deadline at midnight next Wednesday.”
To vote in support of the Easterside project, visit ecoeasterside.com
Voting closes at the end of September.