A MAJOR campaign has resulted in Harwich being designated as a Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering (CORE) after it was initially rejected.

Lobbying by Tendring Council, Essex County Council and private companies has resulted in the town joining Liverpool, Tyneside, Teeside, The Humber, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft who already have the important status.

Energy minister Michael Fallon has backed the case for Harwich and Brightlingsea and the status will help to maximise growth and economic benefit from the offshore wind industry, recognising the area’s potential to provide sustained job creation.

COREs are partnerships between Central and Local Government and Local Enterprise Partnerships which ensures businesses looking to invest in manufacturing for the offshore renewable industry receive the best support available.

Tendring Council leader Mick Page believes it is fantastic news which could assist the regeneration of the whole of Tendring.

“Our fight to achieve this special Government status was stepped up last year and we took our case to the very top level,” he said.

“Harwich being a CORE will enable us to lobby at the top table lead to important recognition."