A MAJOR grant application is soon to be submitted for cash from the sale of Exeter Airport fund to refurbish a Combe Martin seaside parade area.

Combe Martin Parish Council has accepted recommendations from a working party for work that is needed and it now plans to apply to Devon County Council for a grant for the refurbishment.

The parade by Newberry Beach has been closed to the public for two years because of its dangerous condition.

The council will not reveal how much the project will cost.

Combe Martin Parish Council chairman Julia Clark said: "We now have a detailed plan of what needs to be done to the parade and, providing we are successful in our grant bid, we will be able to re-open the area which I am sure will be most welcome to everyone in Combe Martin."

Michelle Beaumont, clerk of Combe Martin Parish Council, said: "Accurate costings have been obtained for the work, which includes rebuilding the arches and walkways in front of the old museum building, new railings beside the walkways, and refurbishment of the building.

"Provision for water and foul drainage, checking of the wiring and internal decorating will make the building far more attractive to anyone who may be interested in renting the property.

"These costings will enable us to make a detailed application to Devon County Council airport fund for a grant.

"The parish council will also be asking local businesses to support the application.

"With this help, Combe Martin Parish Council will be able to provide the balance of the money needed to carry out these works."

The grant application and recommendations on repairs to the parade was discussed in the "part two" section of the Combe Martin Parish Council meeting on Monday, where public and press are excluded.

Mrs Beaumont declined to reveal to the

Journal

how much the council was applying for from the Exeter Airport fund.

Ms Beaumont said this information could affect the tendering process by influencing how much respective contractors may bid for the project.

During the meeting on Monday, parishioner John Lovering suggested the parade would not be open for the next two summers.

Cllr Clark replied: "As we have always said it will take a long time."