WINSFORD residents will decide how a £25,000 council grant gets spent in an X-Factor-style public vote. 

The third annual Winsford Decides initiative, held at Winsford Academy on Wednesday, March 27, will see residents voting for their favourite community projects and volunteers initiatives. 

Organisers, Winsford Town Council, say it's a ‘democratic’ way to decide how public money gets spent. 

It’s also a great way for residents to find out about all the wonderful work of volunteers in the community, says Winford town mayor, Cllr Ernie Welch.   

He added: “There are so many hard-working voluntary groups and organisations in Winsford, all of which do a brilliant job bringing the community together.

"It also ensures the community plays a key role in shaping Winsford’s future.

“For Winsford Town Council to be able to support these worthy causes is tremendous.

“What’s more, for the residents of Winsford to be able to choose the deserving winners is a great thing for community spirit.”

The audience on the night will hear a short presentation about each project, before voting for their favourites.

Each project can bid for up to £5,000 and the winners will be announced on the night. 

Groups who want to considered for a share of the funding should submit an application to Winsford Town Council by 5pm on Friday, March 15.

Winsford town councillor, Wayne Fletcher, said: “To have such amazing community groups in our town is one thing, but for them to be recognised by the residents of the town is something which can bring us all together.

“It would be great to have as many people as possible listening to proposals and voting on the night.

“It’s just such a tremendous opportunity for everybody involved”.