Sizewell B awards over £90,000 to AONB based projects
Over £90,000 has been awarded to projects in the Suffolk Coasts & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as part of a fund established by Sizewell B power station and further funding of up to £40,000 is available in 2013-14.
The first successful projects are coming to fruition including an innovative new business venture called Prambling which was set up by local mum Karen White from Kelsale to help increase access to Suffolk Coasts & Heaths for walkers with prams.
The £5,000 grant awarded to Prambling has being used to set up a website and printed guides which will identify pram-friendly walking routes in the AONB, baby changing facilities and places where families with young children can stop for refreshments.
Karen White of Prambling, said:” I believe passionately in helping other parents get out and about in the Suffolk Coasts & Heaths Area which I personally love. I know first hand the challenges of having a new baby and getting out and about with a pram and I believe this project will really help and support people to get out and enjoy the AONB and promote walking as a great exercise for the whole family.”
The Amenity and Accessibility Fund was established by Sizewell B in connection with the Dry Fuel Store project underway at the site. The fund has been developed to improve access and use of the Suffolk Coasts & Heaths AONB.
Jim Crawford, Station Director of Sizewell B said: “We have been delighted by the interest the Amenity and Accessibility Fund has generated. Projects such as Prambling are a great example of the tangible difference the fund can make to local families accessing the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB.”
The AAF is being managed by EDF Energy, Suffolk Coastal District Council and Suffolk County Council in consultation with Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB. Suffolk Coast & Heaths administer the fund. It was developed because the Dry Fuel Store may delay the return of part of the Sizewell B site to other uses. The site would otherwise have been expected to be restored in keeping with the surrounding AONB designated landscape.
Ten successful projects were awarded funding in 2012-13 from the Amenity & Accessibility Fund and were selected for their varied activities to help people access the local area and enjoy its amenities.
Anyone can apply for funding as long as they can demonstrate their project has a direct link to improving the accessibility of the AONB or they conserve or enhance the local amenity. For further information visit - www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org
There is an annual application process for the Amenity and Accessibility Fund - the next deadline is Wednesday 27 March 2013. Application forms and guidelines for the next awards are available on the Suffolk Coast & Heaths website: www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/grants-and-funding/amenity-and-accessibility-fund. Around £40,000 is expected to be available in the 2013/2014 fund.