A RAINBOW coalition will continue to run Colchester Council following six days of talks between party leaders.

An agreement has been made for the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Highwoods Independents to control the authority after no single party won enough seats for an outright majority.

Council leader, Lib Dem Paul Smith said he was happy to continue working in partnerships with the other parties.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted we can continue with the progress we have made over the last eight years.

"We want to continue to development of Colchester's infrastructure through garden village settlements and that we can have a town where everybody shares in increasing prosperity, not just a few."

Labour group leader Tim Young echoed Mr Smith's comments and wants to help finish the work which has already begun.

He said: "We have unfinished business.

"It has proved to be a very successful coalition administration and we are very happy to carry on - there is a lot still to do.

"We have made Colchester one of the best tourists and visitor destinations and we want to make the most of our history and heritage.

"We have made it safer and cleaner, all in the face of huge government cutbacks."

Gerard Oxford, leader of the Highwoods Independents said: "It is very important for us to continue and try to attract new businesses into the town."

Liberal Democrats and Labour had enough seats to form a coalition by themselves, but wanted to continue their partnership with the Highwoods Independent group.

Mr Young said: "The Highwoods Independents offer a different perspective.

"We also do not forget what happened last year when they were courted by the Conservatives, but made a very brave and courageous to form a progressive coalition for the good of Colchester."

Mr Smith said: "We wanted as wide as and administration as possible with representation from all across the borough.

"We wanted to continue with the successful team which has worked in the past."

Labour made the biggest gains at last week's elections moving from having nine seats out of 60 to 11 out of 51 following a reduction in the number of wards across the borough.

The Liberal Democrats have four more seats, with 15 members out of 51, and Mr Smith confirmed the make up of the new cabinet will mirror the power balance.

He said: "The new administration will, quite rightly, reflect the make-up of the new council."