Thurrock is to benefit from £8m of investment from the Thames Gateway for a string of ambitious rejuvevation projects, it was revealed this week.

Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Keith Hill, who carried a regeneration brief from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister announced the cash on a visit to the region on Tuesday, saying south Essex was highly important to the success of the Thames Gateway.

The money will be spent on projects including the delivery of a new school, the development of new business premises, development of the Rainham Marshes as a visitor attraction and transport improvements.

It includes funding for land acquisition to allow the building of a new primary school in West Thurrock, modernising the Thameside Theatre and Library complex and improvements to the Stonehouse Corner junction.

Thurrock councillor Garry Hague, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for People and Business Development, said the council was delighted to secur e the funding, adding: "Our success is indicative of our determination to put Thurrock and its people first.

"We are committed to improving the quality of life for residents and the funding will be used to bolster this agenda in a number of important areas. "It will be used to enhance facilities for residents using the library and museum at Thameside, support projects at Hassenbrook School and West Thurrock Primary School, make transport improvements and help new business through support of the Tilbury Enterprise Workshops."

Council leader Anne Cheale said: "I am delighted with the funding announcement, which will contribute to our efforts to improve the quality of life for residents by providing better facilities and greater access to opportunities in Thurrock."

Mr Hill spoke about his hopes for the future and outlined the advantages of the Thames Gateway scheme and defended the Government's plans for thousands of new homes in the area.

He said: "By building more houses, we are responding to the needs of the local people. There are plenty of young people in the area who find it difficult to find a home.

"One of the most important aspects of the Thames Gateway is the delivery of homes for young people.

"We are in the business of building sustainable communities. We recognise that we are not in the business of repairing the mistakes of the past but are looking to provide decent education facilities, sports facilities and key new housing areas."

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