Thousands of pounds could be spent improving tourist facilities in Maldon and Burnham, it is hoped.

Maldon District Council have applied to receive a £750,000 grant over two years by the Coastal Communities Fund, in a bid to improve facilities at the Hythe Quay in Maldon and Riverside Park in Burnham.

The river bailiff workshop and store on the Hythe and old classroom and toilets opposite the Quay could be changed into restaurants or cycle hire centres to create employment, it has been discussed.

River bailiff Nigel Harmer said he offered up his workshop by the river in the aim of saving money.

He said: “I offered up my workshop as a potential saving.

“I am only down here once a week and it seemed like an extravagance to have a workshop here when we have a fully-functioning."

See this week's Standard for the full story.