Support has been given by council chiefs to proposals to carve up Tendring's electoral boundaries.

Tendring Council's cabinet met to give its opinions on the proposals, which could see the the district divided between two constituencies instead of the current one.

Under the proposals, the Harwich constituency would be in the north and a new Clacton County constituency in the south.

Roy Caddick, portfolio holder for resources, ICT, corporate governance and best value, said: "The two constituencies proposed are far better than the constituencies we have at present."

He said Clacton County constituency would consist of three seaside towns which were as diverse as each other.

"I would think any MP would be proud to be called the seaside MP," he said.

Mr Caddick said the towns in the proposed Harwich constituency would be brought together by their historical associations.

The proposed Harwich constituency would include the villages surrounding Harwich, the Manningtree area, Brightlingsea and Colchester villages including Dedham, Great Tey, Pyfleet, West Bergholt, Eight Ash Green and Wivenhoe.

Mr Caddick said this proposed constituency would not be as odd as the present North Essex one as these towns had a lot in common.

The Boundary Commission for England's plans, which would be introduced for the 2007 election aim to ensure each constituency has a similar number of voters.

The cabinet members voted in favour of the proposed changes. They will now be considered by Tendring Council.

Published Monday, June 9, 2003

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