A GOVERNMENT minister has given their support to the regeneration work being carried out at Jaywick Sands.

Andrew Percy, government minster with responsibility for coastal communities, received a personal briefing on progress at Westminster yesterday.

Mr Percy was given an update on efforts to bring new homes, jobs and infrastructure to Jaywick Sands.

Tendring Council representatives made the journey to London at the Minister’s request.

He spoke with leader Neil Stock, councillor with responsibility for Jaywick Sands Paul Honeywood, chief executive Ian Davidson and corporate director Paul Price.

Councillor Stock said: “We were given a significant amount of time to run through the exciting progress that has been made already along with our vision and ambition for Jaywick Sands.”

“This is all being achieved through the coastal communities team and by working closely with Essex County Council, the Environment Agency, HCA and not least the community itself.

“We told the Minister that we have enjoyed huge support from his department, which he promised will continue, and Mr Percy plans to visit the area in the New Year.

“It will be his first visit to Essex and he wants to see what is happening for himself.”

Mr Percy was told how the county council has spent £5million on improving roads and drainage in the Brooklands area and how the Tendring council has bought up around 28 hectares of land costing £2million.

Councillor Stock said: “We also talked about the fact that private investment is starting to materialise and that two planning applications for developments on Jaywick Sands seafront have been given the go ahead.”

Councillor Honeywood said that it had been important to meet the new minister who was appointed by Theresa May after she became Prime Minister.

He said: “We enjoyed a positive reception from the previous minister Mark Francois in April and it is great to know that we now have Mr Percy’s backing for what we are trying to achieve in Jaywick Sands.”