A popular pub in Clacton-on-Sea has finished a major external renovation after receiving a £20,000 grant through a local council scheme. The Seaspan, located on Wash Lane, used the funding to help pay for improvements to the building, which was once used as lodgings for performers at the former Butlins holiday camp.
The pub is owned by Chris Wilson, his wife Stephanie, and his mother Rachel. Chris Wilson, who moved into the pub business after a career in the motor industry, said the grant has had a significant impact on the business since they took over the venue a year ago.
The grant was provided by Tendring District Council as part of their shopfront improvement scheme. So far, the council has supported 79 businesses across the region with over £720,000 in funding through various government sources, including the Community Regeneration Partnership.
While the grant scheme has been paused in most areas due to high demand, the council has confirmed that funding remains available for businesses specifically in Jaywick Sands. This support is part of a broader, government-backed effort to improve the area, which has been identified as England’s most deprived neighbourhood in government reports for four consecutive terms since 2010.
The current improvement projects are supported by a £20 million investment for Clacton and Jaywick Sands, which includes £500,000 set aside specifically for shopfront upgrades. This initiative is separate from a larger, long-term £120 million regeneration plan for Jaywick led by the district council.
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