Residents in Tendring, Colchester and Ipswich can expect an improved service from their Councillors - thanks to a new £140,000 programme to raise personal standards.

All three Councils are taking part in this ground-breaking initiative which involves a major rethink in how Members are supported and receive training.

The cash has come from Improvement East following a successful bid.

The overall aim is to ensure that Councillors in all three authorities will be better equipped to respond to questions and deal with enquiries from their residents.

It involves Members taking part in a whole range of courses, workshops, sessions and other schemes - including coming up with their own development plan.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has made a commitment by signing the East of England Regional Assembly Charter to improve performance through Member Development and is now moving at pace towards Charter Status.

Councillors have already undertaken new initiatives and lots more are lined-up for the Autumn, arising from their requests.

Cllr Michael Dew, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance and Resources at TDC, said that he was excited by the progress being made so far.

"This programme is really gathering momentum and along with our partners in Colchester and Ipswich we are breaking new ground," he said.

"This is partnership working at its very best and it is a totally new way of approaching the issue of Member Development."

Cllr Dew added that as part of the work being carried out to achieve the prestigious Charter Status, a new matrix is being set up with training possibilities.

"It will include everything that is available nationally and will develop into a proactive website," he said.

"Councillors will be able to click on and find out what they can benefit from and work out personal training schedules to suite themselves for the very first time."

Extra cash is going to be made available on top of the £140,000 to help achieve this goal.

"There is no doubt that Tendring is a highly-rated Council but it is vital that we all keep learning new skills and attain even higher standards," added Cllr Dew.

"This programme is a real winner all round. Not only will Councillors raise their game but residents will also benefit from the improvements."

Councillors from Tendring, Colchester and Ipswich are working alongside each other, sharing views and adding to the overall experience.

Cllr Dew said that he wanted to thank all members of the cross-party Member Development Panel who have met regularly to help devise this programme.