THE Oswestry area has been the biggest beneficiary of a compensation fund set up by the quarrying industry.
But it is not yet known whether the fund, which has been operated through Defra for the last five years, will continue into the next financial year.
Around £25,000 worth of this year's £100,000 pot has been allocated to projects in the Oswestry area in 20010/11.
The money was awarded to 14 projects in the county including £20,000 for Tanat Valley Light Railway Company for the creation of a land art feature, outdoor stage, view point and path and nearly £6,000 to Marches Energy Marches Energy Agency (MEA) - £5,988 to help community buildings in rural areas around Oswestry and Market Drayton to become more sustainable.
Ellesmere-based councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for energy and carbon reduction, said: "This fund provides an excellent way to help to enhance and protect Shropshire's environment. I'm delighted that we have been able to award this funding to such a wide range of local groups, organisations and projects."
Over the five years of the fund, over £600,000 has been granted to nearly 100 projects countywide to help them achieve a range of environmental or sustainability-related benefits.
Other projects to benefit last year included: Sustainable Wenlock - awarded £7,450 for LED Christmas lighting and sustainability awareness activities in the Much Wenlock area.
Shropshire Housing Alliance received £8,941 to provide additional housing advice and furniture reuse projects in Market Drayton and Fordhall Organic Farm £3,240 to deliver low cost green courses; farm upgrades including yurts, a bread oven, and materials for green wood structures; and interpretation and publicity materials.
South Shropshire Building Skills Trust received £18,600 to aid traditional skills sharing for craftsworkers in Shropshire with those in Romania and Shropshire Wildlife Trust received £3,000 for access improvements and site awareness on Titterstone Clee Hill.