A NOT-FOR-PROFIT company has offered residents up to £10,000 to launch a community-owned organisation to improve lives in Jaywick.

Developing and Empowering Resources in Communities (DERiC) said the cash could be used to develop a much-needed supermarket.

Jaywick’s Brooklands estate is officially listed as the most deprived area in the country.

Ritchard Brazil, from DERiC, attended Jaywick Forum’s annual meeting last Wednesday to explain the idea to residents.

“People in Jaywick have different priorities and interests – but everyone wants things to improve,” he said.

“We believe that communities can and should have real control over the things that matter to them and we want to see this happen in Jaywick.

“Communities that speak with a common voice get heard more easily and those that act together can achieve real change to make people’s lives better.”

Halstead Gazette:

Mr Brazil (pictured above) said the company has been talking to people since the summer and many said a supermarket is needed to save the cost of having to travel in Clacton.

“The new organisation could set up a partnership with a major supermarket to develop a community-owned shop if that is what is wanted,” he said.

“This is not about replacing any group or organisation that exists in Jaywick already, but adding to them.”

Mr Brazil said the group would need the backing of around 70 per cent of residents who would each have a share in the initiative of anything from 1p up to £1.

“The organisation – if set up – could attract significant resources that will help the regeneration that is starting to take shape,” he added.

“Nothing has been decided as yet but by that date the money can be in the bank with ideas to move forward with.

He promised that if it goes ahead, DERiC would not walk away but would be there for the long term to work with the residents.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for Jaywick, said: “There is certainly potential in the idea and it is now down to the people to decide if, and how, they want to progress.”

“The initiative has been a success in other parts of the country and DERiC has a track record for helping to bring about change.”

The company has set up similar initiatives in Belfast, Bristol, Gosport, Medway, Leeds and Sandwell over the past six years.

Dan Casey, of the Jaywick Forum, welcomed the grant and called for people to sign up to get involved.

“They’re not just giving us £10,000 – if we want it to work people have to come forward to help,” he said.

“A supermarket would be a great idea and if we get one in Brooklands we would be delighted.

“But from a business point of view, supermarkets will only open a shop if they can make a profit.

“I hope that once we get investment in Jaywick in terms of the promised housing, shops will then follow.”

Membership of the new organisation would be open to all residents and people can apply for grants and social investment for social enterprises, businesses, voluntary and community activities.

Those interested in being involved put their names forward and a plan will be drawn up to put before a meeting on February 28.

Anyone else who wants to be part of the process should email alison.gibbs@essex.gov.uk.