BOFFINS behind an electronic tide warning are appealing for funding.

Mersea residents challenged Essex University professors to develop a system that would warn motorists when high tides covered the route to mainland Colchester.

The team, lead by Professor David Crawford, head of business partnerships at the research and enterprise office, developed electronic signs that counted down until water levels made it unsafe to drive through, in March this year.

Professor Crawford said the project now needs money to help develop a prototype and take the scheme forward.

He added: “Before we do any further work, we are looking for funding to turn our ideas into reality.

“The University was pleased that Mersea residents came to us to see if we might be able to find a solution to this problem and we are always happy to look at practical applications of our expertise.

“The University will consider providing some funding itself to take this project forward and to develop a prototype. If businesses or any other local organisations would be interested in supporting this project and be willing to match our internal funding, then we would be delighted to hear from them.”