A new centre for hi-tech industry could be set up on Canvey if Castle Point councillors have their way.

The idea is to set up a forum to give the borough's business leaders, academics and residents the opportunity to discuss ways of improving and modernising business.

It in turn should attract hi-tech business to the area and encourage industries already there to expand, say project leaders.

A blueprint for the forum already exists but it is up to council bosses to persuade the project leaders - Essex University, Anglia Polytechnic, Essex Training and Enterprise, Essex Economic Partnership and the county council - to base it in Canvey.

Canvey county councillor Ray Howard said: "We want to encourage this type of industry for jobs so people do not have to commute and cause congestion in the borough."

Professor Paul O'Brien, who has been drafted in as head of enterprise at the county council, said: "The forum is about helping companies to operate smarter and faster, helping companies to improve their computer networks and helping them to become more high-tech."

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