Cash for Cannock Chase projects up for grabs

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team at Cannock Chase has been given more than £60,000 to distribute to local community projects that will benefit the local environment, people and economy.

The new Sustainable Development Fund money has come from central government department DEFRA. Applications can be made for any amount of money up to £60,000, and decisions are normally made within three weeks.

Projects need to be completed by March 2009 and should fulfil a range of criteria including conserving nature, engaging the community and being sustainable in the long term. The full list of criteria can be found at www.cannock-chase.co.uk

Emma Beaman, Assistant Officer for Cannock Chase, said the fund gave community groups a fantastic opportunity to fulfil their dreams:

"We know there are lots of schools, community groups and individuals who have great ideas of how to improve Cannock Chase and need a cash injection to get going.

Thanks to the Countryside Agency and DEFRA we can help people to make their ideas a reality. I would encourage anyone with an idea for a project to apply now to give themselves plenty of time to get the work done before the end of the financial year."

For more information on the fund, help with completing the form and to apply please visit www.cannock-chase.co.uk or contact Emma Beaman on 01889 882613.