A NEW coastal team for the Maldon and Blackwater Estuary area has elected its chairman.

Paul Jeffries, from Topsail Charters, will preside over the newly formed coastal community team which is made up of businesses, district and parish councils, river users, and representatives from the environmental sector.

The team met last month to discuss and adopt an economic plan for the river and identify grant investment opportunities.

Mr Jeffries said: “I’m really pleased to be given the opportunity to lead the work of this team.

“There’s some great projects coming forward from partners and stakeholders and we will now be focussing on developing a number of ideas which we’ll be taking forward.”

The economic plan produced by the coastal community team will be discussed at the next meeting of Maldon District Council’s Planning and Licensing Committee in March.

Penny Channer, chairman of the Planning and Licensing Committee, said: “Following the success of the bid for a Government grant to fund this project, it is crucial we work together to coordinate regeneration projects for the Coastal Community.

"It is exciting to be part of a team to bring more jobs, growth and prosperity to our Coastal Communities.”

For more information visit maldon.gov.uk.