CONTROL over Colchester's roads and transport issues would be sought if Labour were to take over control of Colchester Council.

Launching its manifesto, the group, which will have candidates in all 20 of the wards up for election, said Essex County Council hadn't listened to residents' concerns.

The Tory-led county council is currently responsible for highways and transportation and has control over how money is spent around those matters.

The Colchester Labour group says as well as asking for control of the highways and transportation budget, it would put a designated portfolio holder in its ruling cabinet.

But despite Labour crediting itself with "transforming Colchester into a major tourist destination", the manifesto fails to mention the town's Firstsite gallery.

The £28million venue has been removed from Arts Council England's three year-funding programme but it will be reinstated if it can convince the funders of its viability.

Other pledges in the manifesto include building more council homes, switching the street lights back on at night, creating new country parks, introducing wheelie bins in some areas and taking tough action against licensed premises that flout their conditions by allowing underage drinking.

Group leader Tim Young, who will be one of three Labour councillors to defend seats in the May 7 election, said: "Essex haven't been listening, despite best efforts, so we would make the offer to Essex County Council to give us responsibility for highways and traffic matters. We councillors do it and live it every day. Just give us the budget for Colchester and we will spend it more efficiently."

The Labour group currently holds nine of the 60 seats on Colchester Council.