£100,000 up for grabs to improve Cotswolds (From Tewkesbury Admag)

£100,000 up for grabs to improve Cotswolds

A GENEROUS £100,000 cash boost is available to organisations looking to improve an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Cotswolds.

The money, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Defra, is on offer for business and community projects in the district until March 2006.

The sustainable development fund will be managed by the Cotswold Conservation Board and distributed to projects which have a positive impact on the area of natural beauty. Applications can range from a few hundred pounds up to £25,000.

The project development officer at the conservation board, John Mills, said: "The fund is designed to further the environmental, social or economic development of the area of natural beauty.

"This really means helping to conserve the area of natural beauty and supporting local communities.

"Anyone can apply and the grants can fund up to 75 per cent of the costs of the project - in exceptional cases 100 per cent may be given to voluntary bodies."

Elsewhere in the country the money has been used to support tourism, festivals, public transport and recycling.

Mr Mills added: "The money allows us to encourage new ideas and experimental projects which can really have long-term benefits for the Cotswolds.

"We are keen to talk to individuals, groups, the private sector, public bodies, local authorities and charities about schemes they may have thought about, but have never had money to develop."

For an application form and more details about the sustainable development fund, contact the conservation board on 01451 862000 or visit www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk.