BUDLEIGH Salterton s conservation area is one of 9,300 undergoing a wholesale review of East Devon s architectural heritage.

BUDLEIGH Salterton's conservation area is one of 9,300 undergoing a wholesale review of East Devon's architectural heritage.

Conservation areas protect the special character of historic parts of cities, towns, suburbs and villages in the UK.

But English Heritage is concerned that Budleigh Salterton's conservation area has not had a review since its designation by the District Council in January 1983.

Budleigh Salterton's conservation area includes part of Marine Parade, the town centre and the area between the High Street and the seafront.

Chapel Street, East and West Terraces, The Lawn, Westbourne Terrace and Little Knowle, are also included, with a total 37 listed buildings in the town.

In Exmouth the conservation area includes The Beacon, Louisa Terrace, Bicton Street, Albion Street - one of hundreds in the region.

But English Heritage say they have no idea of their condition; whether they re they are 'cherished' through a close partnership of council and residents, or if they are at risk from neglect, decay and inappropriate development.

So English Heritage has asked every Local Authority in the country to fill in a questionnaire for each of their conservation areas as part of the first nationwide census of their condition.

Andrew Vines, South West Regional Director of English Heritage, said: "We have hundreds of Conservation Areas here in the South West - designated areas of villages, cities and towns that have special character or unique heritage that need protecting from development or damage.

"With the help of the local councils in our region this census will allow us to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the state of each and every conservation area and to identify any that need extra resources and attention. conservation areas have been designated as such because they are special places requiring special care - the steps being taken now will help ensure that they receive that special care."

The results will be announced and a campaign will be launched on June 23 help councils, communities and individual residents to care for these special places.

Ends