ROUND the table talks have been held to get a major trunk road upgraded in a bid to regenerate North Essex.

Minister for Roads Stephen Hammond was this week given a tour of Harwich International Port.

While there, he met Essex County Council leader Peter Martin and representatives from Colchester, Tendring and Braintree councils, along with Haven Gateway Partnership chairman George Kieffer.

The council bosses urged the Conservative minister to designate the A120 from Braintree to Harwich as a core network - classing it as a key link between counties.

If approved the move could see cash from the European Union to upgrade the road and it could also bring regeneration for towns and districts along the route.

Peter Halliday, leader of Tendring Council, said: “The benefits from that could be from a slice of the EU’s £27billion funds to improve the road and its junctions.

“The upgrade could also be key to regeneration to Harwich, Tendring and greater Essex.”