A village on the outskirts of Colchester may bid to become a town - just days after its big sister rejected the chance to be a city.

Investigations are to begin which could ultimately see Tiptree become a town but the village is split on the idea.

The parish council is set to order a feasibility study into the change after a suggestion at one on its committee meetings.

Contact will initially be made with north Essex MP Bernard Jenkin to find out more on the matter - in particular, which official channels will have to be followed to make the transition.

The idea was first mooted by Peter Carter at the parish's policy and resources committee meeting on Monday.

The main issues around the possible swap would be any cost to Tiptree's taxpaying residents and any benefits drawn from it.

Councillors at West Mersea and Wivenhoe will also be consulted on their own experience of town status.

Parish councillor Anne Burgess said: "I can see why there is an argument for becoming a town. With 9,500 people living here we are much bigger than Manningtree and that has town status."

Town and parish councillor Tony Webb declared he was firmly against the change, saying it would cost the village money without providing any benefits.

He added: "It will be an open invitation for the developers to move in more than they have already."

Mr Webb dismissed claims that town status would act as a magnet for potential employers highlighting the fact there are currently more jobs in the village than in West Mersea and Wivenhoe, excluding the university.

But Peter Carter, who put forward the suggestion, believes the move would bring many benefits including a better postal service, greater policing and improved public transport links.

He added: "I know this will not happen overnight but as more people come in to Tiptree, better facilities are required.

While the council could technically make the decision alone, it is thought that a referendum would be held before any concrete decision was made.

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