COLCHESTER’S MP is setting up a special taskforce in a bid to finally tackle crumbling infrastructure in a part of the town and help with its regeneration.

Will Quince is forming a Hythe Taskforce, bringing together councils and councillors, utility and transport firms and representatives of the University of Essex.

The new taskforce will aim to tackle long-standing problems in the area, such as the persistent flooding in Haven Road.

Other issues, such as the crumbling quayside in Hythe Quay, on the footpath linking the Hythe and Rowhedge, and the area’s planned regeneration, are also on the taskforce’s agenda.

Will Quince. Picture: Nikki Powell

Will Quince. Picture: Nikki Powell

Mr Quince said: “Residents are rightly frustrated at responsible bodies and organisations passing the buck and failing to accept responsibility, meaning no or limited action.

“They simply want all parties to work together to find solutions and I hope that I can facilitate these discussions through the Hythe Taskforce.

“In addition to finding solutions to the poor condition of the Hythe Quay, footpaths, the regular flooding on Haven Road, housing, development, regeneration or support for business, I firmly believe a Hythe Taskforce is needed to bring people and organisations together to find solutions to these issues and regenerate the Hythe.

“I am convinced most of these issues can be resolved if we work together.

“I believe as a taskforce, we can bring about long-lasting improvements, which are much needed for this important part of our town.”

Flooded - a car stuck in the water in Haven Road, Colchester, and (inset) MP Will Quince Main picture: Lisa Hewitt

Flooded - a car stuck in the water in Haven Road, Colchester. Lisa Hewitt

The first meeting of the new taskforce is set to take place next Friday.

Council leaders Kevin Bentley, of Essex County Council, and Paul Dundas, incoming leader of Colchester Council, have been invited, along with the authorities’ chief executives.

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Labour ward councillors Mike Lilley, Adam Fox and Lee Scordis (Old Heath and Hythe) have also been invited to take part.

As have officials from Anglian Water, Brightlingsea Port Authority, Network Rail, Greater Anglia, First Essex, Professor Anthony Forster, the vice chancellor of Essex University, and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.