A new support service for businesses has been launched to help boost the economy in the Dengie.

Dengie Enterprise Support, which is based at the tourist information centre in Burnham’s High Street, was launched on Friday to support existing firms and to help individuals hoping to set up their own business.

The service, which is funded by Magnox through the Bradwell Legacy Partnership and administered by Maldon District Council, has been set up following the loss of workers at Bradwell’s power station, which has entered the care and maintenance stage of the decommissioning process.

The council hopes that the service, which provides free business advice and training, will lead to new businesses being created in the Peninsular.

Bob Baggelley, manager of the Colchester Enterprise Agency, which has delivered the service, said: “We are offering a service for people who are thinking of setting up their own business or thinking of becoming self-employed."