A COUNCIL led campaign aiming to make Colchester a better place to live, work in and visit has officially launched.

Utilising £2 million over the next two years, Colchester Council will focus on improving the borough's infrastructure, transforming its heritage assets, cleaning its streets and working with the police to increase their presence in the town in order to make residents feel safer.

To highlight the work being done across the borough and allow residents to keep up to speed with the project, a new Instagram account has launched for the Better Colchester campaign.

Mark Cory, leader of Colchester Council, said: "I’m doing this job, as leader of the council, because I genuinely want to make our borough better and people's lives in our town better. I am really excited about this campaign.

“I have already said that I'm committed to listening and cooperating to achieve the very best for Colchester, which is why it's also vitally important that we actually shout about what is being done.”

Residents will be able to follow the Better Colchester project via the new Instagram account, and are being asked to share what they love about the town on social media.

Mr Cory said: "This is all about working together with the people of Colchester to take pride in our town and its streets.

"I want people to share with us what they are doing for a Better Colchester and what they love about our town, with the hashtag #bettercolchester.

“This is everyone's chance to seek out and contribute to our positive future. Let's shake off the negativity.

"Let's not let the small minority drag our town down. Let's celebrate and invest in what we have. Together, let's make an even Better Colchester.”

Mr Cory has recorded a launch video for the Better Colchester campaign, which is can be viewed at www.instagram.com/bettercolchester.

Residents can also sign up to receive e-newsletters on the project at www.colchester.gov.uk/media-centre/news.

Visit www.colchester.gov.uk/bettercolchester.