A NEW boat and causeway have been officially opened on Canvey.

The £32,000 patrol boat Easthaven, a catamaran, has been commissioned to work in the shallow waters around the island.

The vessel can float in just 30cm of water, is capable of speeds of up to 20 knots, and is kitted out with lifesaving equipment including a four-man life raft.

It enables Port of London man John Window, who is responsible for the area, to carry out his duties supporting local fishermen and leisure boaters.

Basildon MP Angela Smith, whose constituency borders Easthaven's patrol area, welcomed the news.

She said: "This vessel is just the latest example of the investment the port authority is putting into south Essex, and will be a welcome addition to the protection available for our area."

Investment in the new boat comes on top of £145,000 spent by the authority last year on a new causeway to improve access to the creek for boaters.

Building the causeway, which was officially opened by Castle Point MP Bob Spink at the ceremony, was specially timed to cause minimal disruption to local wildlife.

Dr Spink said: "The new causeway has made it easier for the 30 or so fishing vessels that work from Holehaven Creek to land their catches."