COLCHESTER could join forces with Tendring or Braintree to become a unitary authority and take direct control of things like the borough's roads.

Councillors on all sides of the chamber supported the possibility of becoming a unitary body when the issue was discussed at a meeting of Colchester Council's policy and public initiatives panel on Wednesday.

However it was agreed further investigation work would be delayed as a consultation on a new devolution framework is set to launch in November.

Resident Victoria Weaver proposed the committee investigate idea of becoming a unitary council, which would see the council take on responsibilities such as education, highways, fire, social services and libraries.

"I believe we cannot continue in the current way," she said.

"Essex is such a diverse county and in Colchester we have a different identity and economy because of our location and geography.

"I believe we can come up with a plan where we could stand on our own."

Under existing rules, the Government is unlikely to consider any applications to become a unitary body from areas with a population below 300,000.

Officers advised committee members Colchester would need to join forces with either Tendring or Braintree in order to have any prospective bid accepted.

Committee chairman Lee Scordis said he supported the principles of the move, but raised concerns over a partnership with a neighbouring authority.

"I worry it would become less about Colchester," he said.

"Another worry is who gives up the town hall if the authority is forced to tighten the purse strings."

Roger Buston (Cons, Prettygate) said: "People are generally not interested in who does it, they just want it done and someone to poke in the chest if it is not done.

"There are great strides we could make here, but we need to be aware of economies of scale.

"On our own we do not have the buying power Essex County Council does."

Dave Harris (Labour, Berechurch) said he was strongly behind plans to become a unitary authority.

He said: "I think it is the way forward for us and our residents.

"There are savings to be made and more importantly there will be a one stop shop for services."

The committee agreed to request a further report from officers once the new framework is published towards the end of 2019.