There are some suggestions on how to improve Harwich.

Firstly, the redundant Mercedes plant could be turned into a 500-yacht marina, or possibly for 1,000 yachts.

It could be converted relatively easily for under £7million or, without lock gates, at about £5million.

The income from 500 yachts is about £1million, and with ancillary services another £1million.

If Tendring’s wasted £3million of public money spent on Intend was invested in such a scheme, it would provide more real jobs and a return on capital.

Secondly, we should develop the Beacon Hill site as an area of historic interest.

We should put safety rails around points of possible danger, make grass areas with flower beds and picnic tables and benches.

There could be a restaurant with a panoramic view at the point. The view would take in Harwich, the harbour, the sea, Dovercourt Bay and the beach. This would create more jobs and increase tourism.

Thirdly, we should make fire and vandal-proof beach huts on Dovercourt Cliffs.

These can be made from converted shipping containers.

There would be no cost to the taxpayer and the space could be rented at, say, £200 a year.

Fourthly, we should possibly rear sole, plaice, bass, ragworms, lugworms and lobsters.

This could be at Erlams beach or on low-cost land with access to tidal flow.

We could turn the River Stour into a large, freshwater lake, ensuring freshwater supplies for years to come. This could be created with a dam across the river from Erwarton to the Essex side with a lock gate.

This could be stocked with fish. Fifthly, we should create an underground rail system, which would go from Harwich to Colchester in six minutes at 200mph.

The capital cost would be high, but the running costs would be very low.

If some of these ideas could be implemented, Harwich would become the most interesting place on the east coast.

Brian Vincent
St Helens Green
Harwich