RESIDENTS are being asked to make a contribution as work is progressing through a newly-formed board that will play a key role in securing up to £25million in funding for Grays town centre.

The Grays Town Board met last week (Thursday, 27 February) to develop a bid for potential multi-million-pound government funding, reviewed the fund's boundary and prioritised a potential projects list to help define the vision and strategy for Grays.

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 Justin Thomas, director of development at NewRiver REIT, the board consists of local businesses, partners and stakeholders, councillors and Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price.

Mr Thomas said: "The board will work closely with the private and public sector to ensure the Grays Town Deal is a success. This a unique opportunity for local stakeholders to drive investment and ensure the funds awarded deliver jobs, infrastructure and regeneration that will truly benefit the residents and businesses of Grays for generations to come."

Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "Grays is an important town centre with a key role in the borough's economy which boasts tremendous opportunities for investment and regeneration to bring communities together and combined with existing plans, will give Grays new energy and life. It's good news that the government has once again recognised the opportunities which exist in Thurrock.

"Grays has also been successful in the first round of bids for the government's Future High Street Fund and there is already £200million in investment secured including an underpass at Grays Station, which has received £11million funding through the Local Growth Fund.

"This is a massive opportunity, and we are working hard to ensure that any emerging proposals are of maximum benefit to the borough. We would love to hear from our communities, if you have any ideas of how we could invest this money, let us know."

Residents can submit ideas for how to improve skills and transport, create new jobs and regenerate Grays via the government's #MyTown website which is available via the red additional information button below.