The Government has released £12 million to fund roads and infrastructure needed to support homes growth in Colchester, Tendring and parts of Suffolk.

The cash was awarded to the Haven Gateway Partnership, an alliance of big private sector employers and public bodies, as part of a £605 million giveaway to boost regeneration across the UK.

It will go towards projects listed in the development programme unveiled by the partnership last week – including the revamping of St Botolph’s in Colchester and the revival of coastal resorts like Clacton and Jaywick.

Housing minister Margaret Beckett said there remained a long-term need for extra homes in spite of the crisis gripping the housing market, with the population expanding, an increase in the number of old people and single households.

“If the support for these new homes is not in place, their construction will be delayed when we need them most, hampering the economy’s recovery,” she said.

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