ASSURANCES are being sought over the arrival of major funding due to be pumped into two Peeblesshire projects.

Last year it was announced that more than £4 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund was to boost an ambitious project at Peebles' A-listed Chambers Institution.

It is planned to bring the historic site into the 21st century by converting it to accommodate an integrated museum, library, art gallery and flexible event space.

Cash from the fund was also committed to the development of the Crook Inn to offer accommodation and other facilities.

Tweeddale MP David Mundell has called on the new Labour government to honour promises made by its predecessor as part of the scheme.

The Conservative representative for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale said: "A great deal of work has gone into these projects, both by community groups and the council, and they are vital towards improving the range of amenities available to local residents."

Since taking office as secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has ditched the term 'levelling up'.

Mr Mundell said the move had caused him to reach out for assurances that the funding promised to organisations in Peeblesshire will still arrive.

He said: "The new government has made clear it is dropping ‘levelling up’ as a concept and of course everyone will agree that they have the right to take forward any future investment in local communities in a new way.

"At the same time, it is essential we know that funding already committed to, which amounts to some £4.1m for the Chambers Institution and a share of a wider £11m Borders-wide package of support in the case of the Crook Inn, is to be maintained."

Both the Chambers Institution and the Crook Inn are important local assets.

The Chambers Institution refurbishment would see it become a "self-sustaining attraction" for locals and visitors to Peebles now and for future generations.

Thanks to the community in Tweedsmuir, the centuries-old Crook Inn has been transformed into a café and bistro after it closed in 2006.

Now part of the Destination Tweed Programme, the next phase of plans includes building a 16-bed bunkhouse and associated facilities, which would also serve guest accommodation pods proposed for the grounds.

Mr Mundell added: "It’s imperative that these projects can be taken forward to their completion so the community can get their full benefit, and that’s why I have written to the new deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, communities and local government to seek an assurance that funds already agreed will be honoured."

The Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it would not be commenting at this time.