Queenborough Harbour Trust has been awarded £500,000 to revamp the town’s moorings to attract more visitors.

The grant, which came from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund, will go towards a £525,000 project to increase the capacity of Queenborough Harbour by installing 60 extra moorings.

Geof Reed, the trust’s director of operations, said: “We are delighted. To be entrusted by the Coastal Communities Fund to deliver this substantial investment is an honour and a vote of confidence.

“The whole process has taken many hours, and we are grateful for the support we received in our application from a variety of sources, including SheppeyProud and the local Coastal Community Team.

“We would also like to thank Swale council and, in particular, the regeneration team for their support and funds in helping the trust secure this substantial investment in the harbour facilities.”

The trust believes the project will create three servicing and maintenance jobs and 25 indirect jobs.

Mr Reed said: “We are aware of the challenges the delivery of this project poses but, with the support and assistance of current and new supporters and friends, we will provide the improved facilities and increased capacity that will encourage more visitors from the UK and the Continent to visit Queenborough and beyond, and enjoy the local services and attractions to the benefit of the local economy.

“All in all, it will help to establish the Isle of Sheppey as a destination well worth a visit.”

Heather Thomas-Pugh, Work this Way community development manager and chairman of Sheppey Tourism Alliance and Sheppey Proud Coastal Community Team, said the team and the public had worked hard to help make the bid possible.

She added: "Without all this voluntary work we would not be where we are now, which I think is testament to the passion people feel for their Island and its growth as a tourist destination."

Cllr Cameron Beart (Con), who represents Queenborough and Halfway, said the announcement was fantastic news for the Island.

“Queenborough is such a unique and special town and a real gem for the Island and the borough,” he said.

“This investment will boost tourism and our local economy.

“We have already seen significant growth and investment in Queenborough over recent years with new pubs, restaurants and accommodation catering to both tourists and locals, and the harbour is seeing increasing visitor numbers.

“This funding now provides even more room to grow.”

The trust is now looking at ways to raise the remaining £25,000 for the project, which will be delivered by 2019.

See www.queenborough-harbour.co.uk for more.