MORE should be done to bring the Olympic torch to Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester’s Tories claim.

Councillors want Castle Park to be on the list of places the flame will call at on its way to the London 2012 Games and would like to organise an event attended by 8,000 people to welcome it.

Tory members fear any such event in Essex is more likely go to Chelmsford, where a bid is being prepared for an event attracting 100,000 people to Hylands Park, the venue for major events including the annual V Festival.

The torch is to tour the UK for 65 days ahead of the opening ceremony on July 27, 2012, including three days in the east of England.

Deputy Tory leader Dennis Willett has written to organisations, including Colchester Retail Business Association and the local Chambers of Commerce, asking them to help set up an independent group to make a stronger bid to host the flame.

He said: “If the council is a bit timid about putting oomph behind it, then we need to form up a community bid.

“The council must be part of that group, but it needs to be ensured we have complete community involvement.”

Tory leader Kevin Bentley added: “If the administration wants our help, we’re going to be here for it.

“The benefit it would bring in trade to the town centre, and more importantly, just fun to the town centre, has to be great.”

However, Martin Hunt, the council’s Lib Dem deputy leader, said the council was already working on the bid with Essex University and the garrison.

The High Street and Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium have also been put forward as possible destinations for the torch.

He said a strong bid was being put in to Essex County Council’s “legacy and strategic sport group”, which will co-ordinate Essex’s bid.

He added: “We have a very strong claim to have it here.

“One of the criteria is to have some kind of history. I venture to suggest Colchester has rather a greater history than Chelmsford.”

Mr Hunt described Mr Bentley’s offer of help as “cheeky”.

It was now up to the county council to decide how to approach the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, he said.

He added: “It’s such an early stage of planning that I can’t really tell you more.”