A drive to boost tourism in Halstead has been launched after it was claimed the town is missing out on thousands of visitors each year.

Money will be spent to join tourism group Visit Essex to help support town organisations.

Halstead Town Council will also contact coach companies and ask them to consider offering visits to the town.

The move comes after the Halstead Chamber of Trade said the town could benefit from visits by day trippers and bus tours.

While Halstead in Bloom and the History Society will be direct contacts for tours, other organisations have also been encouraged to come forward.

Shirley Diver, Halstead town mayor, said: “I often go to events elsewhere and there’s nothing being done to promote Halstead and what it has to offer.

“It’s a lovely place - we’ve got Halstead in Bloom and those achievements so we certainly have things which we should be using to attract visitors.

“Even if it means we have three coaches come to the town each year that’s still about 150 people altogether who wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

The matter was discussed and agreed at a meeting of Halstead Town Council this week, and as part of the agreement, the town council will make contact with coach and tourism companies.

Being part of Visit Essex means the town will be included in promotions and be given coverage at exhibitions and events.

Jackie Pell, Halstead town councillor, said: “We used to have a tourism office in High Street during the summer which was extremely popular so I see no reason not to go ahead with this.

“It may not seem like it to people in Halstead but we have a lot to offer and people do want to come and visit.”