Residents in Heybridge are to be consulted on whether the parish council should change to a town.

A meeting to gain villagers views on the issue will be held in October members of the parish council decided last Thursday.

"The parish council will be using the time between now and then to promote this idea and the official opening of the Plantation Hall in October will also be a significant event where again the matter can be promoted," said parish clerk, Stuart Jennings.

He added: "A special parish meeting will follow and then to formally consider the matter after that."

At the last census in 1991 Heybridge had 6,544 residents - the figure of which will have risen since new homes have been built and Maldon had 10,786 residents.

Cllr Beryl Claydon, who proposed the idea, said: "People still think a town council is more important but the parish council and the town council have exactly the same powers.

"In the last 12 years we have used the income we have got to steadily build up amenities in Heybridge.

"It seems to me being a town council we would be on par in prestige, influence and status as Maldon and Burnham."

Maldon MP John Whittingdale is not surprised Heybridge parish council should seek town status.

He said: "Heybridge has a very strong sense of identity and community and they regard themselves as very distinct from Maldon.

"I think it's right to find out what local opinion is," he added.

But the vice-chairman of Heybridge Swifts Football Club, Michael Gibson who is Heybridge born and bred. is not in favour of the idea.

He said: "It seems ludicrous. I have known it as a village for 57 years and I don't know what can be gained you've still got to go the district council for money."

Tiptree parish council is also investigating the pros and cons of becoming a town council, but have yet to make a decision.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.