POLITICIANS have been slammed by town councillors for “failing” to tackle tough new rules threatening the future of ferry crossings from Harwich.

At the latest Harwich Town Council meeting, Garry Calver criticised Tory MP Bernard Jenkin and Labour MEP Richard Howitt for not supporting their bid to battle back against new EU sulphur emission regulations for ships.

Councillors said they were concerned at how long it took Mr Jenkin to submit an Early DayMotion in Parliament, and wanted support from Mr Howitt, who allegedly failed to reply to their letters.

Labour councillor Mr Calver said: “I think we have reached the end of the road with this and there is nothing more we can do.

“We have been badly let down by people who have been elected to serve us at the highest level.”

Mr Jenkin said: “I share councillor Calver’s frustration, which is why I tabled my Early Day Motion against the sulphur directive with the support of the shipping industry in Harwich, Maritime UK and the UK Chamber of shipping,” he said.

“The only reason Harwich Town Council know about this is because I raised it with the transport minister in 2012 after being approached by businesses in Harwich.

A spokesman for Richard Howitt said: “Next week, Mr Howitt plans to write to the European Commission to ask how companies can obtain subsidies to meet new sulphur emission standards, and he apologises for the delay in correspondence.”