A COUNCIL boss has hit back amid claims Chelmsford has overtaken Colchester in attracting people in.

Speaking during a Have Your Say session at a full meeting of Colchester Council, resident Simon Crow said Chelmsford had “left us in its wake to become a vibrant city with a real buzz about it”.

He added: “The failure to deliver Vineyard Gate for the town cannot be explained away with rhetoric about the recession, Tollgate Village and online shopping. It just doesn’t wash.

“During the time Vineyard Gate has been on the table, Chelmsford has opened Bond Street which is drawing Colcestrians in their droves to spend their money in its city centre.

"Bond Street was conceived, planned and built in spite of the recession and the economy, so it concerns me enormously that here in the fastest growing town in the region, we cannot attract similar investment.

"But with out lack of vision for the town centre and our low wage economy, with no plans to attract higher paying employers to the borough, I'm not surprised."

But Tim Young (Lab) fired back with promises the council has a vision for the town centre.

He referenced Fenwick’s £30 million investment despite several competitor towns vying for the department store.

Halstead Gazette:

Tim Young poses with the 2.2m statue in the High Street

He said: “There’s no councillor in this room who would agree Chelmsford has overtaken Colchester as an attraction.

“Colchester has always been better than Chelmsford in my view, and will continue to be.

“We’ll work hard to make sure we’re a prime town for retail, leisure and tourism in this region.”

To listen to the full debate, click here, and go to 'Have Your Say'.