The new company formed to boost Colchester's image and make the town run like clockwork has vowed not to make the same mistake as its predecessor.

The Colchester Town Partnership is set to begin operations in the New Year, with £75,000 towards its start-up costs pledged by Colchester Council. The money will come from council taxes.

Chris Rawlinson, currently city manager at Durham, starts work as manager in December.

Derek Ashbee, who runs the town's Culver Square shopping centre and is a member of the new 12-man board, said: "We failed in the past because of inexperience. Things will be different this time."

The new organisation comes two years after its predecessor - the Colchester Town Management Company - collapsed following a short-lived existence.

But Derek Ashbee says: "It was not the fault of the manager or that company. The problems piled up and they were just unable to cope."

He insists the new Town Partnership Company will not make the same mistakes.

"It is much better organised. We have a full board of directors to help make policy and the manager will receive a proper remit."

Unlike its predecessor, the new company's remit will extend beyond the town centre across the entire borough.

Rural problems will be dealt with, along with town centre traffic and parking issues.

It will liaise with the council on such areas as street cleaning and with the newly-formed Colchester Retail Association on ways to promote shops and increase trade.

Published Friday November 1, 2002