RESIDENTS in Tilbury are being invited to contribute their ideas on how the town can be regenerated and how an initial half million pounds earmarked for the town might best be used.

Tilbury was selected by the government to receive a share of the £3.6billion Towns Fund pot to help improve infrastructure, drive economic growth and increase job opportunities. It will potentially receive up to £25 million.

How that money will be used and the regeneration of the town will be directed by the recently formed Tilbury Town board, which is chaired by the Port of Tilbury's commercial director Peter Ward and consists of local businesses and community partners including the Creative People and Places Partnership, One Community Development Trust and Thurrock MP, Jackie Doyle-Price.

The board has already identified that fitness trails, an outdoor gym and a £40,000 investment in Tilbury Youth Centre are just three projects it will support to kick-start the town's transformation, as part of the government's £3.6 billon Towns Fund.

£500,000 has already been received from the Towns Fund to enable the board to support schemes, including the provision of essential equipment required by Tilbury Youth Club and the delivery of a community planting project.

It will also facilitate the installation of fitness trails stretching over eight km and a new outdoor gym to provide residents of all ages and abilities free access to new exercise opportunities on their doorstep.

Mr Ward, said: "The accelerated funds mean we can start to deliver in Tilbury immediately and, at the same time, build a robust community-led bid to shape how our town grows.

"Collaboration is key and these projects have been identified through discussions with the board and from the feedback we've received from the local community in our various roles. They will give Tilbury new energy and life and I look forward to seeing them develop."

Cllr Mark Coxshall, Thurrock Council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I'm delighted that the government continues to recognise the opportunities which exist in Tilbury. The town plays an important role in our nation's history and economic growth, and its ports are the gateway to the world.

"Our local communities have to be at the heart of what we do and we would love to hear from our residents and businesses of Tilbury. If you have any ideas of how we could invest this money to best benefit the local community, please get in touch."

Residents can submit ideas for how to improve skills and transport, create new jobs and regenerate Tilbury via the government's #MyTown website or email [email protected].