A HISTORIC train ferry "will be left to rot" if more is not done to maintain it, residents have claimed.

Dave Priestnall, 42, was flying his drone over the Harwich train terminal when he saw the pictures of the grade II listed site and "couldn't believe the state it was in".

The terminal, which connects a train ferry to the railway tracks on land for freight to be driven on or off the ship, was moved to Harwich Quay in 1923, following the end of the First World War.

It played a vital role in keeping the British Army fighting on the Western Front equipped with arms, ammunition, food and other essential provisions.

The structure, which is maintained by Hutchison Ports, continued to operate until 1987.

Residents have raised concerns about its state for the past few years, but Harwich mayor Ivan Henderson says port bosses have reassured the council the structure is "sound".

Mr Henderson added: " The assurance is that there has been structure surveys done and at the moment everything is in order and it doesn’t need any structural repairs.

"It just now awaits until they have developed the Bathside Bay to a stage where they can do some major costly work.

"The only part they are removing is the wooden pier which ships used to tie up against.

"It is rotten and it is not part of the structure.

"Part of that has been taken away to create a small boat harbour around that particular area when the Bathside starts."

Nevertheless, residents feel there is more that could be done to preserve it.

Dave, who lives in Harwich, said: "It could be a beautiful attraction spot - a nice pier for walking along or fishing where people can sit and have a cup of tea admiring the view."

Colin Farnell, chairman of the Harwich Society, said: "Like any national monument it should be maintained so people could see it in the future.

"When you are driving along it is the first thing you see.

"We have got lots of iconic things in Harwich and the terminal is just another one."

Hutchison Ports have been contacted for comment.