IDEAS are being sought for projects to conserve and improve a stretch of Suffolk coastline – as a new �120,000 fund was launched.

EDF Energy's Amenity and Accessibility Fund (AAF) is designed to offset any impact the new dry fuel store at Sizewell B nuclear power station at Sizewell, near Southwold, may have on the surrounding Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Anyone can apply for funding including charities, businesses and individuals, but projects must take place within the locality of the Sizewell B site from the Deben estuary in the south to the Blyth estuary in the north.

The fund is being managed by EDF Energy, Suffolk Coastal District Council and Suffolk County Council in consultation with the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Unit.

An initial �120,000 is being paid into the fund by EDF Energy with further payments of �20,000 made each year.

Richard Smith, chairman of the funding panel, said: 'This new fund will make a real difference, by harnessing the good ideas of individuals and groups, then providing them with the resources to turn their ideas into reality for the benefit of everyone who uses the AONB.

'It is designed to get projects off the ground, which would otherwise never happen.'

Andrew Nunn, vice-chairman of the AONB's joint advisory committee, said: 'The funding panel want to see projects that improve the environment and natural character of the area, improve sustainable access to the area, conserve habitats, and increase the enjoyment and experience of the AONB for residents and visitors.'

The AAF is a rolling programme with an annual deadline of March. Successful projects will be selected by the funding panel who will meet once a year.'

To view the full fund guidelines and download an application form visit www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org.

The dry fuel store was given the go-ahead in July last year. It will house spent nuclear fuel from 2015.