A campaign by Brightlingsea residents to save the former James and Stone shipyard for the town is gathering momentum.

At a public meeting in the town on Wednesday night residents agreed to pledge their membership to the Brightlingsea Waterside Action Group, which will act as the voice for residents.

Jim Lawrence, who is heading the campaign to turn the yard into a public quay and recreation area, told residents the best way of having a say is to buy the site for the town.

He said: "The purpose of tonight's meeting is to form a steering committee and to eventually co-opt experts like accountants and solicitors on to a committee."

Mr Lawrence outlined various ways of raising the expected £1million plus needed, including public donations, private pledges, grants - and pressing the town council to borrow money to help by raising the rates.

Tendring district and Brightlingsea town councillor Darren Barrenger said the town council could act as a catalyst for community ventures, but explained the town will not get cash for regeneration as funding priorities have changed in recent years.

He said it was theoretically possible for the site to be in public hands via a community trust or local authority.

"It needs strong local support and we must raise money ourselves and through grants, and the steering group is the right approach but it must keep in touch with residents," he added.

The 80 residents at the meeting at Brightlingsea Football Club agreed to pledge £5 each as members of the action group

The site is earmarked for housing in the Tendring district local plan and is being marketed as a possible site for 100 homes with mixed retail and open space. Mr Lawrence said a committee would be formed over the coming weeks and more meetings were planned.

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