READERS of the Harwich and Manningtree Standard have predominantly backed plans for a free port on the east coast, according to the results of an online poll.

Last week, public and private sector leaders in Essex and Suffolk unveiled a proposal to unify the Harwich International Port and the Port of Felixstowe.

The vision is part of an ambitious project called Freeport East which, if successful, could see normal tax and customs rules no longer apply to incoming goods. 

It would also mean imports could enter with more simplified customs documentation and no tariffs making for what bosses believe could be a more streamlined system. 

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Just shy of 200 Harwich and Manningtree Standard readers have now voiced their opinion on whether or not the super port would be a good idea for the area.

Overwhelmingly, 75 per cent of those that voted backed the proposal, seemingly encouraged by the prospect of additional job opportunities being created.

Concerned by the suspected high cost of the project, which remains officially unknown, 30 readers felt the free port would not be worth having. 

With little information currently available with regards to the bid, 10 per cent of voters were left undecided on the need for Freeport East.

George Kieffer, chairman of the Freeport East Project Board, has now welcomed the positive response the bid had received from readers of the Harwich Standard.

“We are heartened and grateful to see that this bid, which can deliver so much in terms of job creation and positive development for the area, has been welcomed by so many people,” he said.

“Some people are still uncertain and want to find out more, which is understandable, and we are sure that as our bid is developed and the case for Freeport East becomes ever stronger we can demonstrate the benefits of this project.”