A LEADING councillor has urged his colleagues to put politics to one side to help find a solution of what to do with Colchester's famous water tower.

Jumbo has not been used for nearly 30 years while successive owners and developers have sought permission for development schemes.

Now the Colchester and North East Essex Building Preservation Trust has completed a report looking at possible uses for the structure.

The two favoured options include creating a restaurant in the water tower's engine room with a kitchen in the water tank and a mixed use including a museum and an activity centre using Jumbo's 116ft height for abseiling.

The report was partly funded by Colchester Council which put up £5,000 towards the cost.

Bill Frame, the council's portfolio holder for economic growth and planning, said it was money well spent in a bid to find a solution to what to do with Jumbo.

He said: "I want to break the mould.

"I want politics to be put to one side while we try to work together to get this done.

"It is in the interests of everyone in Colchester.

"We are trying to create a situation where everyone can contribute.

"We are deliberately not giving our preference but we know other bodies will have a view.

"We will consult with all sorts of people and re-open discussions."

Mr Frame said it was also possible an arrangement could be reached with Jumbo owner Paul Flatman such as a lease arranged with a community interest group.

He added: "We think dialogue is the best way forward and there have been discussions between the trust and Mr Flatman.

"Perhaps Jumbo could be taken over the a community interest company which could access funding such as from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"The trust has been speaking to Mr Flatman who has been open to the idea of moving forward. He recognises he has to do something with it."

A row previously ensued when the Conservatives were allowed to hang a banner on the top of the tower.

The ruling Lib Dem alliance were accused of party politics when they went against officers' recommendations to refuse the last proposal.

Mr Frame said: "There has been political manoeuvring on both sides of the camp.

"I want to stop that happening by going ahead with no political over tones."

Colchester's Tory MP Will Quince said the council had sentenced Jumbo to a "decade of decay" when it turned down the development proposal put forward by former owner George Braithwaite.

He added: "I welcome any plan that is realistic and achievable which ensures public access to our iconic water tower, Jumbo.

"However, we have had enough of pie in the sky ideas from dreamers which is why a viable development which breathes life back into Jumbo must be sought and pursued.

"Most importantly, I believe the full un-redacted report should be published so the people of Colchester can read it and reach their own conclusion."