A GOVERNMENT minister has visited Jaywick to view plans for a £10m regeneration project.

Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Justice, visited the deprived ward with Tory candidate Giles Watling last week, in the run-up to next month’s Clacton by-election.

He also talked to Tendring Council leader Mick Page about plans to build up to 250 new homes, including 100 council homes, on the former market site in Brooklands and off Midway, before canvassing voters in Meadow Way.

Jaywick is officially listed as the most deprived ward in the country, but has seen little investment in 50 years.

It is hoped the £10million scheme will kick-start private development in the area.

When asked why there had been a lack of investment in Jaywick by successive Governments, Mr Grayling said: “I don’t know the answer, but we have a council who have found the answer. We have got local politicians who have found a solution to a problem.”

Speaking about the upcoming by-election, Mr Grayling said: “Speaking to people on the doors, a lot are undecided and there is some support for Douglas Carswell."

He added, voting for UKIP would result in a Labour Government and there would be no referendum on the EU.

Mr Watling said bringing a Government minister to Jaywick was a great opportunity to highlight the area’s needs.