MALDON’S newly restored Hythe Quay has been given a huge £50,000 boost to help draw in more tourists.

The quay is one of 15 projects along the Great British coast to benefit from a share of a £700,000 government grant.

In total 15 projects were announced by Communities Minister Mark Francois on Monday.

The projects – dotted across the country from Durham to Dorset – have been awarded up to £50,000 each to help restore local landmarks to their former glory.

Maldon District Council will receive £50,000 to explore options for the regeneration of Maldon Hythe and its historic waterfront.

Long-awaited repairs on the quay were finished in December ahead of schedule.

In November 2013, the quay partially collapsed into the River Blackwater, and further damage was caused by a tidal surge a month later.

A planning application for the quay was approved in October 2014 but the £350,000 work was delayed until a year later meaning the quay was partially closed to the public throughout last summer.

Penny Channer, Chairman of the Council’s Planning and Licensing Committee said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded this money.

“Having just completed the repairs to our historic Hythe Quay, we will now be able to explore further opportunities to promote and regenerate our historic waterfront and surrounding area.”

Coastal Communities Minister Mark Francois added: “Across our Great British Coast we’ve got heritage hooks to be proud of, but some of these places need some tender, loving, care.

“That’s why over the past year we’ve invested £3.7million to get them back into ship-shape and now Maldon Hythe and 14 more brilliant British attractions will be buoyed up by work to restore them to their former glory.

“This country has sight-seeing gems that are a match for anywhere in the world and I’d urge people to take a trip down to the seaside to discover them.”

Last month Hythe Quay was dedicated to the Queen to mark her 90th birthday.