A GROUP of Tilbury businesses, leading community groups and councillors met to drive forward a bid to secure up to £25million in funding.

The Tilbury Town Board met on Friday (28 February) to develop a bid for potential multi-million-pound government funding. The board considered the fund's boundaries and drew up a list of potential projects to drive the Tilbury vision and strategy.

If successful with the bid, funding will help increase economic growth in the town centre with a focus on regeneration, improved transport, better connectivity, skills and culture.

Chaired by Peter Ward, Commercial Director for the Port of Tilbury, the board consists of local businesses and community partners including Creative People and Places Partnership, One Community Development Trust and Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price.

Mr Ward, said: "It is vital that the board engages with communities to find out directly from residents what they love about Tilbury and how they want to see our town grow. We will work closely with our community to ensure the bid is not only successful but the funds awarded deliver the right infrastructure and regeneration for Tilbury."

Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "Tilbury's community spirit is second to none and its ports are the gateway to the world. The town plays an important role in both our nation's history and economic growth with exciting opportunities for investment and regeneration that will further enhance Tilbury.

"I'm delighted that the government recognises the opportunities which exist in Thurrock and we are working closely with our partners to ensure that any emerging proposals are of maximum benefit to the borough as a whole. We would love to hear from our communities and if you have any ideas of how we could invest this money to best benefit the local community."

Residents can submit ideas for how to improve skills and transport, create new jobs and regenerate Tilbury via the government's #MyTown website Your views