TOWN Hall bosses in Tendring say they will only agree to devolution if it is right for the district, and have vowed not to be “trampled on by the big boys”.

Council leaders across Essex are calling for more powers to be transferred fromcentral to local government. All 15 council bosses across the county have sent proposals to the Government about devolution.

Tendring Council leader Neil Stock said: “They are all behind the principle of devolution and it is the first time we have all come together in this way on the same issue.

“It could be better for our residents and the economy if some powers are devolved down to local level, and we all agree on that at this time.”

But Mr Stock said councils needed to be cautious going forward, but everyone was hoping for the best.

“Clearly, this is the most exciting potential change in local government for a generation, maybe in our lifetime,”

he said.

“It is a different way of doing things and I am really excited. We will work with all members to get the best deal for this council and our residents.”

He also aims to hold talks with MPs Douglas Carswell and Bernard Jenkin, and is hoping they will support the move.

“We want to be seen as positive about this in the corridors at Westminster,” said Mr Stock. “It has been well-received up there and we want to work with them.”

The county has a population of about 1.7 million.

Devolution could see it split into areas with Tendring working closely with Colchester and Braintree.

“Wewill need to make sure that we are not trampled on by the big boys and that we can punch above our weight,” added Mr Stock.

“But I feel that is the right way forward and a tremendous opportunity to explore.”

He promised not to go along with anything that involved a loss of sovereignty for Tendring or was not in the best interests of residents.