A MOVE to boost tourism in Manningtree and Mistley by having a local riverbank declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has moved a step closer.

The northern banks of the River Stour, in Suffolk, already have the prestigious designation and campaigners have been pressing for it to be extended to the Essex side, too.

Now Natural England has announced a review in to extending the AONB boundary to cover the south side of the Stour estuary.

Tendring’s planning boss Carlo Guglielmi said: “This goes back to 1993 when we found the other side of the river had been given protection.

“We are now waiting for them over what type of consultation they would like to be carried out.

“This is great news for our area."