THE HISTORIC value of Browns Golf Course in Sandown has been recognised — with the granting of £30,000 towards a conservation plan.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has announced government funding via the Coastal Revival Fund for Browns, and £12,690 towards a feasibility study on Appley Tower.

The fund aims to bring coastal historic assets back into economic use.

The plan for Browns is entitled Ice Cream and Science in the Bay, and was submitted by The Common Space, supported by the Bay Coastal Community Team.

The aim of the project is to undertake a conservation plan for the first Henry Cotton designed 1930s pitch and putt golf course, and to extend and re-purpose the former ice-cream factory buildings to create a Biosphere Centre for natural science.

It will also see the 1930s clubhouse pavilion café regenerated to enable its use year-round.

The Appley Tower feasibility study was submitted by the Ryde Coastal Community Team. The aim is to look at options for restoring and bringing Appley Tower into sustainable public use.

Mr Seely said: "Investment in coastal communities is vital to create jobs, investment and visitors to our Island.

"I welcome government grants for these two projects and I hope this support will see them achieved. It is important ministers recognise the uniqueness and the challenges of being beside the sea and that they continue to invest so our coastal communities can meet those challenges and thrive."

James Brokenshire MP, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, said: "It is exciting to see money from the Coastal Revival Fund help bring our wonderful coastal historic assets back into economic use.

"This is so important in demonstrating our support to coastal communities in their efforts to bring sustainable economic regeneration to their towns."