SENIOR members of the “progressive alliance” which is set to run Colchester for at least 12 months will today sign up to a nine-point plan to “deliver real change”.

The Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Highwoods Independent group have re-formed the coalition which has been in power for ten years.

It has a wafer thin majority of one over the 25-seat Conservative group.

This morning the cabinet, led by leader Mark Cory (Lib Dem) and deputy Tim Young (Lab) will agree the “radical one year plan for the borough of Colchester” which commits the alliance to “deliver change that residents can monitor and see, with real improvements across the borough, and bringing in more local control to deliver vital improvements”.

The document adds: “[Residents] deserve a council that puts them and their needs first: more community policing; a cleaner, brighter and safe town centre; help for those needing housing; and better transport to make getting around Colchester easier.

“But most of all they want action, and a council that delivers real change for them now.

“That’s why we in the Liberal Democrats, Labour and Highwoods Independents have come together as a Progressive Alliance to deliver what Colchester needs.”

The nine point plan refers specifically to:

- creating a Transport for Colchester group which is hoped will agree a borough-wide transport plan and gain power to fix potholes in Colchester;

- clean up and promote the town centre, including “lighting up and show off” Colchester’s heritage and promoting the planned business improvement district and prioritising progress at Vineyard Gate and pedestrianising the high street;

- fight crime and improving community safety by working with the police to put more officers on the streets and getting “tough” on antisocial behaviour;

- reduce the risk of homelessness;

- building new council houses;

- support business, large and small, and develop better connections with Essex University;

- take the next steps in creating the new Northern Gateway regional sports centre;

- come up with new ways of working by looking at alternative methods of service delivery. Idea will also be sought from the public; and

- welcome the help and ideas and support of every party and every part of the community, including supporting Tollgate Village.

The annual council meeting, which takes place after the mayorship switches from Gerard Oxford to Conservative Peter Chillingworth, itself is expected to include some surprises and fiery debate.

Conservative group boss Darius Laws had initially proposed himself as leader of a minority administration, citing a “moral mandate” after the Tories gained two seats in the borough elections earlier this month.

But after days of talks, the coalition agreed to reform.

Senior Conservative sources refused to comment last night on whether the group could put forward a motion nominating Mr Laws as council leader.

According to the Colchester Council constitution, no prior warning needs to be given for that motion to be put forward.

However, if all members of the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Highwoods Independents groups are at the meeting, they will have enough to agree the coalition.

It is unclear what would happen if the motion was to pass.

The meeting, at Colchester Town Hall, begins at 10.30am and is expected to last until 1pm.