DERELICT sites and grotspots are blighting Harwich and Dovercourt.

It is feared the eyesores could hit tourism if nothing is done.

Town leaders have now called for action to clean up derelict and untidy sites across the area in the build-up to the summer season.

Mayor Dave McLeod has warned sites need to be tackled in order for the town to capitalise on the tourism trade.

“It is coming up to the summer season in a couple of months and we are stuck with these empty spaces," he said.