Malta link could unlock EU funding

Officials in the three areas say that Newhaven, Dieppe and Cottonera in Malta face similar economic and social challenges and this presents them with a unique opportunity to join forces and use EU funding to help their areas.

New EU member, Malta can apply for grants from Brussels and joint bids with other regions could unlock funding for economic, transport and tourism development projects.

East Sussex County Council Leader Peter Jones says that people shouldn't be surprised by a potential link with Malta. 'If we believe that a partnership with another EU area has the prospect of bringing in millions of pounds to help our residents then we will look at it very seriously.

'The bottom line is that if EU funding is available for projects to help local people then we should be in there fighting for it. Together with colleagues from the South East England Development Agency, I hope to firm up plans very shortly with our Maltese and French partners to progress our joint bids.'

The three areas all have:

Ports with important ferry links

Need better transport links

Regeneration and redevelopment plans in progress

Similar social regeneration issues

A need to sustain skilled labour through further training

Are steeped in maritime history.