SENIOR Tories admit they are in danger of losing control of Tendring Council after a strong showing from Ukip in the local elections.

Council leader Mick Page told the Gazette: "It looks like Ukip has polled very highly.

"It is just a question of how high they have gone against the Conservatives and if we keep control of the council.

"I think we will still get a considerable number of seats but won't get an overall majority, which is 31, so we are talking about a coalition."

Mr Page's own Homelands ward seat could be under threat.

He said the contest was "very close".

"Ukip polled very highly in my seat and they worked very hard there when, as council leader, I didn't have the time to go and knock on every door, but they did," he said.

The local election count starts at 11am today.