THE future of a council-run regeneration company is in doubt after four of its directors were sacked.

David Lines, Les Double, Pierre Oxley and Harry Shearing were all removed as directors of InTend by a majority vote at Tendring’s full council meeting.

New Conservative leader Neil Stock has vowed to “kill” the company, set up last year to organise the district’s regeneration, “as quickly and quietly as we can”.

Conservatives believe the company is a waste of taxpayers’ money and claim its decision-making is not transparent enough.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: “Our gut instincts as a cabinet are we need to close it and get the staff we have taken off the council back, but we need to check all the ramifications. The council has created a monster. We are trying to kill it as quickly and quietly as we can.

“We are trying to remain as genuinely open-minded as possible.”

Councillor Christine Turner also lost her position as the council’s sole member in the company, and was replaced with the councillor with responsibility for Peter Halliday.

Opposition councillors, who set up the company, said the vote could have unforeseen consequences, as no replacement directors have been named.

Councillor Les Double said: “Whether you like it or not, we have a company, and we employ a number of staff.

“To put a motion that is naked of any replacement directors is outrageous. We have got a responsibility within corporate law to make sure the company functions and staff are looked after.”

But after taking legal advice, chairman Nick Turner told members: “This company can run lawfully without any council directors.”

Speaking after Wednesday’s meeting, David Lines, the former leader of the council and one of the unseated directors, said: “It means the company is shackled.

“Salaries are paid on a cheque basis, so payment may be an issue.”

Mr Lines had proposed an amended motion, in which the leader of the council would automatically be appointed as the council’s sole member in the company.

He also suggested replacement council directors should be split along party lines, but his motion was voted down.