Council gives money to help decarbonise Devon buildings

The council said the scheme, which is partly funded by the UK government, would open again next year

A council has awarded grants to community organisations and tourism businesses to help decarbonise buildings.

East Devon District Council said 23 grants worth £180,000 would help fund projects including loft installation, solar panels and double-glazing.

It estimated the work could remove about 70 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere each year.

The projects also aim to improve accessibility to buildings.

Councillor Nick Hookway, portfolio holder for culture, leisure, sport and tourism, said the work would "cut energy bills" and "improve access for our residents as well as benefit the environment we live in".

Organisations needed to match at least 10% of the total grant to be eligible, while tourism businesses needed to match at least half of the funding, the authority said.

The council said the scheme, which is partly funded by the UK government, would open again next year.