Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois demonstrated his support for the recently formed River Crouch Costal Communities Team (CCT) when he attended the launch of their new map highlighting footpaths in the areas around the River Crouch. The new CCT is one of 118 such teams set up around the country over the last two years to help coordinate economic and leisure activity in areas around the British Coast (including estuaries like the River Crouch).
The teams were provided with several thousand pounds in “start-up capital” by the government and the River Crouch Team decided to use part of this money to assist walkers and residents in the River Crouch area. The map includes footpaths on the major RSPB nature reserve at Wallasea Island. Speaking about the team and their new leaflet Mark said:
“When I was Coastal Communities Minister, I sought to encourage the establishment of Coastal Communities Teams around the country and so I am very pleased to see that we now have a successful team in our local area. The area around the River Crouch has always been popular with walkers and I hope this new leaflet will encourage more people to take up the opportunities for leisure in the area around the river”.