A SURVEY of estate agents by English Heritage shows that East Devon residents are prepared to pay higher prices for properties in well-kept conservation areas - and in return expect them to be protected.

A SURVEY of estate agents by English Heritage shows that East Devon residents are prepared to pay higher prices for properties in well-kept conservation areas - and in return expect them to be protected.

Budleigh Salterton's conservation area is 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, a total 37 listed buildings.

And in Exmouth the conservation area includes The Beacon, Louisa Terrace, Bicton Street, and Albion Street - one of hundreds in the region and over 9,300 in the UK.

The poll was done in the run-up to the launch of this year's English Heritage at Risk register and three-quarters of estate agents believe that a well-maintained area adds value to the properties.

And 82 per cent said original features also added value and 78 per cent said it helped a quicker sale.

A spokesman fir English heritage said: "The views of estate agents have given added weight to the push to see our most cherished and distinctive neighbourhood safeguarded.