THE input of local residents and businesses has been incorporated into a bid put to the government to rubber-stamp change in Tilbury.

The Tilbury Town Board was formed last year as a result of the town being selected to be one of 101 in the country to be invited to pitch for up to £25 million to spend on improving the local community.

Chaired by Commercial Director for the Port of Tilbury, Peter Ward, 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.

It invited local residents to say what they want in the town and has now submitted the bid to try and secure the funding. A statement from the board says: "Plans including a state-of-the-art youth facility, a new jetty and vast improvements to the town's station hub, civic heart and rich heritage have been submitted.

"The youth facility sits firmly at the heart of these plans and has been designed in conversation with residents who live and work in Tilbury. It will provide a dedicated facility on Anchor Fields that is easily accessible to everyone and includes a training kitchen, multi-sensory room, sports hall, dance, music and film studios, plus an outdoor 3G pitch and skatepark."

Mr Ward added: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build on the close links between business, the town and Tilbury's diverse community. The transformational projects put forward in this bid have been shaped by residents and local businesses, people who live and work in Tilbury.

"I am very excited about the prospect of what we can achieve and the significant difference we can make together celebrating Tilbury's community and rich heritage."

Thurrock Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill said: "The fantastic projects being put forward in the Tilbury Town Investment Plan will see Tilbury's children enjoy high-quality youth facilities and learn about our great heritage. Coupled with the new integrated medical centre, this is one of the last pieces in the jigsaw to make Tilbury a great place to live, work, learn and play - a place we can all be proud of."

Other projects include significant works to reimagine the town's hub around Tilbury station and improvements to Civic Square where work is also scheduled to start soon on the demolition of the former fire station to make way for a new £20million Integrated Medical Centre.

Aims to reconnect the town with its riverside, port and heritage to celebrate its rich history could see the Thames Clippers extend river bus services to Tilbury. The proposal also includes opening up Tilbury beach and riverfront with new steps to create better access and restoring the historic 'landside' access to Tilbury Fort allowing easier pedestrian and cycle access to this ancient monument, and to Coalhouse Fort.

Ms Doyle-Price said: "This investment plan embraces Tilbury's strongest attributes – it's sense of community and unique maritime heritage. Quite simply, it will finally give Tilbury the love and opportunity it has been crying out for. These new facilities are what the people of Tilbury deserve."

And Cllr Mark Coxshall, cabinet member for regeneration at Thurrock Council, added: "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. Tilbury has an amazing past and a successful bid will secure an amazing future."

To find out more about the proposed plans visit the Tilbury Town Board website where you can also provide feedback to help shape further plans.