A PANEL has been set to tackle significant issues affecting rural communities in Tendring.

It will look into highway maintenance, rural transport, how to make more of rural post offices and pubs, improving broadband speeds, mains sewerage and addressing inland flooding.

The initiative has been set up by Tendring Council and will be chaired by Fred Nicholls who is councillor for Great Bromley.

It will be made up of councillors and will include Robert Taylor, chair of Tendring District Association of Local Councils.

“Some, in fact many, of the problems that we will be exploring fall outside the control of Tendring Council,” Mr Nicholls said.

“However, the Rural Projects Panel will work with all the necessary and relevant partners to tackle the issues and make a real difference to people’s lives.”