A historic role in Colchester, dating back to 1635, could be scrapped.

Professor Ivor Crewe, who was appointed as the High steward of Colchester in 2003, has asked to step down as he has been appointed the Master of University College, Oxford.

A Colchester Council committee is set to approve his wish at a meeting next month, and is recommended to leave the role empty for the time being.

Kim Naish, a Labour councillor, said he believed the role should be abolished.

He said: “I don’t see what purpose it serves. It might as well be done away with.

“I’m sure if you ask the people of Colchester who the High Steward was and what role he fulfils, they would be unable to tell you.”

The office of the High Steward was created by a Royal Charter in 1635, and since then, 22 people have held the post.

Any powers the post had were abolished in 1835, and since then, the High Steward’s role has been limited to representing the borough and appearing at civic events, such as Remembrance Day and the Oyster Feast.

Amanda Chidgey, democratic services manager, said Mr Crewe received no allowance or expenses for performing the role, while the badge of office was donated to the council.

She added the vacancy would only be filled when a candidate with the calibre needed was available.

Professor Crewe was Vice-chancellor at Essex University and has lived and worked in Colchester since 1971.

His predecessor was the late Lord Alport, the former Tory MP for Colchester and life peer.