The £9bn in cash announced for the Thames Gateway has headed off criticism of the regeneration project.

The announcement by the prime minister at the Thames Gateway Forum of money for schools, hospitals and other infrastructure was backed by council leaders and campaigners.

Gordon Brown pledged the initiative would make the area of London ‘one of the most vibrant places in the world'.

A spokesman for the Campaign to Protect Rural England backed the commitment to develop an eco-friendly region: ‘We have, for many years, championed the potential for regeneration in the Thames Gateway to help protect the countryside across the South East. And we welcome the Government's renewed efforts to promote sustainable development there.'

Essex CC said the announcement clarified the Government's commitment and investment.

Cllr Stephen Castle, said: ‘The prime minister has sharpened the Government's focus on delivery in the Gateway across all its departments. We have been fighting hard to ensure that south Essex gets its fair share of Communities and Local Government funding, particularly to help the regeneration and economic growth.'