RESIDENTS are being urged to forward project ideas to benefit the community and secure future funding, after East Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty received a £61,000 cash-boost. The AONB stretches from an area East of Exmouth, encompassing Budle

RESIDENTS are being urged to forward project ideas to benefit the community and secure future funding, after East Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty received a £61,000 cash-boost.The AONB stretches from an area East of Exmouth, encompassing Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Beer, Seaton, Colyton and as far north as Honiton,.The funding, from the Sustainable Development Fund, will be to assist communities conserve and enhance the AONB until March 2009.Grants of up to £10,000 are available from the Sustainable Development Fund and could be awarded to anyone, including individuals, community groups, clubs, parish councils and commercial businesses. The Fund can provide assistance for up to 75 per cent of the total cost of a project, and Chris Woodruff, East Devon AONB Manager, said: "Since the Fund was first announced in 2005, the Sustainable Development Fund has managed to support 51 projects in the area. The Fund also helps lever in additional resources and so, taking this into account these projects have enabled in excess of £630,000 investment. We really feel the Fund makes a difference to those local bus-inesses and communities who want to help us conserve and enhance this finest of landscapes."Donald Campbell, chair of the Sustainable Development Fund panel, added: "We are asking the local communities, conser- vation organisations and local businesses, from within or adjacent to the AONB, to come forward with ideas for projects which we could help fund. "If you think your project could really make a difference and demonstrate good practice then we would like to hear from you as soon as possible.