WORK is underway to make improvements to a popular Dengie yacht marina.

Fambridge Yacht Haven off Church Road in North Fambridge has taken delivery of a new dredger to improve access from the River Crouch.

The marina will also be taking on a new 40-ton boat hoist — one of the largest on the Crouch — meaning it will now offer some of the best boatyard facilities on the east coast.

The investment is being made by owners Yacht Havens Group which said it demonstrates “continuous commitment to improving this popular boating facility”.

The specialist dredger will carry out work at the 220 berth marina focusing on Stow Creek and the deep water area of the river into the base.

It will also be used to dredge access channels and between pontoons to improve access at different tide levels.

The group has a ten year dredging licence from the Marine Management Organisation.

Marina manager Danyal Adams said: “A deeper, full-tide marina and a larger boat lifting capacity will allow many more boat owners to bring their boats to Fambridge.”