Several tourist projects in the Harwich area are coming to fruition thanks to more than £1 million in grants.

Money from the East of England Development Agency has helped fund tourist and community projects worth up to £1.5 million in the town.

Tendring Tourism Group's annual meeting heard that some of the money had been spent on attracting more visitors.

Richard Colley, co-ordinator of the Harwich Connexions Market Towns' Initiative, said the scheme was extremely successful.

Harwich, Brightlingsea, Walton and Manningtree were all awarded grants under the market towns' scheme.

Mr Colley said: "In Harwich, we are promoting a range of 30 projects, some of which directly concern tourism and hopefully will enhance tourism."

A health check of the town showed residents wanted better tourism facilities.

Mr Colley added: "Lots of tourists arrive at Harwich International Port but they don't tend to hang around. With one million arriving there each year, we hope we can tap a few more off."

Mr Colley said the scheme had meant extra money for a national cycle scheme to be extended into Harwich, grants for the Harwich Festival, the foot ferry and the town centre manager project.

Published Monday, February 24, 2003

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