EXMOUTH businesses and community groups could get up to �30,000 of funding to help people have a closer connection with the environment in which they live and work.

EXMOUTH businesses and community groups could get up to �30,000 of funding to help people have a closer connection with the environment in which they live and work.

'Making it Local' has �100,000 available for the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The projects eligible include local village services, renewable power for small communities, training support for small businesses, arts projects, food or cultural festivals, supporting local traders, eco-tourism projects, local food distribution and community transport.

A spokesperson for Devon County Council said: "The funding is for different kinds of businesses and organisations including private businesses and sole traders, social and community groups, parish and town councils, voluntary and community groups."

Average grants are of �30,000 while smaller grants schemes will begin in the summer, and typically grants could fund 30 to 70 per cent of the cost.

For more information contact Jenny Archard on: (01823) 680626.