PLANS to merge Clacton and Harwich Parliamentary constituencies have moved a step closer after the proposal was included in a fresh consultation.

The merger, which was first mooted last year, has been included in the Boundary Commission's latest plans which would see the number of MPs in the country slashed from 650 to 600.

The move would see the establishment of a new Harwich and Clacton seat, with a similar boundary to the old Harwich constituency that was abolished in 2010.

Initial plans would have seen Jaywick separated from Clacton for the first time to join more affluent areas such as Dedham in the new North East Essex constituency.

But bosses have now made a u-turn on the move and say it should remain in the Harwich and Clacton constituency.

Clacton MP Giles Watling said: “The final decision will be made by the Boundary Commission, but I would be pleased if Jaywick remains as part of my constituency.

“I look upon Jaywick as an integral part of Clacton and it is on the up.

“It’s a wonderful place and it is an up and coming place. There are great things happening there with new council houses set to be built and new roads.

“I would be happy if it remained as part of the constituency.”

Stanway would also move into the North East Essex constituency - which would totally surround the Colchester constituency.

Only one new ward - East Donyland, which includes Rowhedge - would mve into the Colchester area.

Sam Hartley, secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said: “We’re delighted with the huge number of comments on our initial proposals that we’ve received from members of the public, many of which contain valuable evidence about people’s local communities.

"The new map of the country we publish today is, we think, close to the best set of Parliamentary constituencies we can achieve, based on the rules to which we work and the evidence given to us by local citizens.

"But we still want people to tell us what they think of this latest map before we make our final recommendations to Parliament next year.

"It’s so important to have your say in this fundamental democratic exercise.”

The consultation ends on December 11 and final proposals could be taken to Parliament in September next year.

If MPs agree, then they will be in place for the General Election in 2018.

To view the full proposals visit bce2018.org.uk.