Residents across Clacton-on-Sea, Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick Sands are being urged to attend upcoming public briefings as part of a consultation on whether a new town or parish councils should be created for the three areas.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is currently running a Community Governance Review, asking residents if they want to see new local councils formed — particularly in light of expected changes to local government in the next three years.

TDC councillors made a decision in November 2024 to consult residents on whether they feel it is time to create a new town or parish councils for the three areas, which – unlike other parts of the district - do not have their town council or councils.

To support a three-month consultation as part of the review, more than 27,000 households in the areas will now receive a letter encouraging them to have their say.

The letter outlines how residents can respond to the consultation and invites them to attend one of four public briefing sessions taking place later this month.

Public briefing sessions will be held at:

• St John’s Church Hall, St John’s Road, Great Clacton, CO15 4BP – Monday, 28 July, 6.30–7.30pm

• Sunspot Business Centre, Brooklands, Jaywick Sands, CO15 2JG – Tuesday, 29 July, 6.30–7.30pm

• Essex Hall, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton, CO15 1SE – Wednesday, 30 July, 6.30–7.30pm

• Holland Public Hall, 137–139 Frinton Road, Holland-on-Sea, CO15 5UR – Thursday, 31 July, 7–8pm

“We’re asking whether now is the right time to create a new voice for Clacton, Holland-on-Sea and Jaywick Sands,” said TDC Leader Councillor Mark Stephenson.

“Although councillors began this review last year, the Government has since launched its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme, which could see TDC and ECC replaced by a council much larger than TDC is now — potentially three or four times as large — within three years.

“With a larger unitary authority on the horizon — possibly based outside Clacton — the question is who will speak up for Clacton, Holland, and Jaywick Sands.

“Parish and town councils could help preserve local representation and ensure communities have a distinctive local voice.

“These briefings are a chance for residents to learn more, ask questions, and share their views.

“If there’s support for new councils, we’ll hold a second consultation in November with detailed proposals.

“Residents will have two opportunities to shape the outcome, and their views will be central to any final decision.

“This review isn’t about imposing anything — it’s about listening to what local people want.”

Residents can respond to the consultation by returning the survey that is included with the letter or by completing it online at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/community-governance-review before 30 September 2025. Further copies of the paper survey are also available from Clacton Town Hall, the Tendring District Council Offices in Pier Avenue, Holland Public Hall and the Sunspot in Jaywick Sands.

It is expected that a final decision would be made in March next year and that if a new council or councils were to be approved, they could be formed on 1 April, 2027.