THE leader of Essex County Council has implored any potential future party to seize control of Colchester Council to not put the town centre’s future in jeopardy.

It comes after a visionary deal between the two authorities which will see them collaborate to draw up a masterplan both councils will work to deliver.

But with May’s local elections just around the corner, concerns have been raised over whether the deal will become redundant, should the Conservative Party lose control of Colchester Council.

The elections are on a knife edge as after winning 23 seats in last year’s local elections, the Conservatives were propped up by the Highwoods Independents after the two groups formed an alliance in order to secure a majority.

Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley told the Gazette if the Conservatives were to lose power, he hopes the incoming party would do the right thing and honour the deal.

He said: “If Colchester is to thrive for now and the next 50 years, then all politicians have to think and plan for the long term.

“There are good things which are about to happen for the future of our historic town centre and I would hope no political party at the Town Hall would put that at risk.”