A government backed initiative which has the potential to create 1.5 million jobs and bring in up to £115 billion into the UK economy has been launched.

The Thames Estuary Growth Board, led by Government-appointed Envoy Kate Willard, and includes Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, launched ‘The Green Blue’, which sets out plans for the region over the next two years, looking ahead over the next ten years.

The Green Blue is a key step for the Growth Board in fulfilling the potential of the region, which is comprised of east London, north Kent, south Essex and the Thames itself.

It promises to bring wide-ranging, long-term local benefits, boosting connectivity to the area, including better roads, rail connections and town centres. The plans will also bring skills, jobs and housing, while attracting business and investors to the area.

Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, and member of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, said: “I'm proud to support the launch of 'The Green Blue' as part of the Thames Estuary Growth Board's 30 year plan to create 1.5 million jobs and inject £115bn into the UK Economy.

“Two parts of the programme that will be familiar to residents in Barking and Dagenham include the stop added to the Thames Clipper Service and the relocation of three historic London markets to the borough.”

For more information, visit the new Thames Estuary website here.