AN MP says more investment in roads is needed to help Maldon district’s tourist attractions thrive.

Priti Patel, MP for Witham, championed the attractions across the district, including the Museum of Power, in Langford, Tollesbury’s coastline and Wilkin & Sons, in Tiptree, when she addressed Parliament last week.

During a debate in the House of Commons she called on the Government to support the businesses in helping them recruit and also to invest in “key transport infrastructure” such as the A12, A120 and rail services.

Following the debate, she said: “Tourism plays a vital role in our local economy supporting over 60,000 jobs across the county and adding more than £3billion of value to our economy.

“We have some outstanding attractions and places to visit right on our doorstep in the Witham constituency.

“Colchester Zoo, the Museum of Power, Layer Marney Tower and Wilkin & Sons are just some of those great places, and we also have many more restaurants, bars and hotels we can all support as the weather gets better and the tourism season starts.

“These businesses and attractions do a great job bringing people into our county, but they need more help from Government.

“We need to get behind our tourism and hospitality sector and I am pressing the Government to invest in our roads and rail services to give them a boost and support wider economic growth.”

Mrs Patel congratulated “international brand” Wilkin & Sons, describing the business as a “magnet for tourists”.

She said that alongside the Museum of Power and Tollesbury’s coastline, attractions such as this are boosting the area’s standing in the world, but they need more help.

Mrs Patel added: “I mentioned employment and seasonal work, which are pivotal to ensuring that constituencies such as mine have a thriving tourism economy.

“At the same time, the hospitality sector needs a flexible labour market and flexibility about how it recruits and trains workers – migrant workers in particular.”

She said the A12 and other surrounding roads also still need help for the Maldon, Colchester and Witham areas to continue growing their tourist trades.