A new partnership aimed at boosting the Tendring economy is set to get a £100,000 shot in the arm, it has been revealed.

The Haven Gateway Initiative, which was launched in May, is to receive the cash from the East of England Development Agency.

The handout is expected to be rubber-stamped by the Government in the new year.

The initiative is a new body based around the Ports of Harwich, Ipswich and Felixstowe and was formed to raise the profile of the area and promote investment and tourism.

The idea is to build on the port links and transport infrastructure, as well as a wealth of hi-tech investment.

Mick Page, regeneration portfolio holder at Tendring Council, said the partners had been working hard to gain recognition and the cash came as a welcome boost.

"Securing that recognition and the funding to help promote the area were two of the main objectives," he said.

"When the partners first got together two years ago there was a shared view that the significance of this part of the country to the economy was not fully appreciated."

Bill Samuel, chief executive of the East of England Development Agency, said the business that came into the region from the ports had specific development issues which needed to be tackled if the area was to prosper and grow.

"This initial proposal for financial support will enable the partnership to develop and we look forward to be involved with further projects with them in the future."

Published Monday December 17, 2001