A MAJOR campaign has resulted in Harwich being designated as a Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering (CORE) after it was initially rejected.

Lobbying by Tendring Council, Essex County Council and private companies has resulted in the town joining Liverpool, Tyneside, Teeside, The Humber, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft who already have the important status.

Brightlingsea will also join the new South East CORE.

COREs are partnerships between Central and Local Government and Local Enterprise Partnerships which ensures businesses looking to invest in manufacturing for the offshore renewable industry receive the best support available.

The status will also help to develop the potential Harwich and Brightlingsea offer and unlock barriers which push Tendring’s offshore ambitions to a new level.