THE new chairman of the Clacton branch of the Labour Party claims Tory policies are running Clacton into the ground.

Max Morris has returned to his hometown after spending seven years working in China in education and consultancy

He has now been appointed as the branch's new chairman and will lead the local party into next year's district council elections in Tendring.

Mr Morris said: “Clacton Labour is now the biggest political party in Tendring with over 450 members and we are going to campaign with the Unite Trade Union to show local people that there is an alternative to austerity economics and constant cuts to the NHS, social care, the police, and schools that the Tories have imposed.

"Our manifesto is affordable, progressive and designed to meet the needs of the many not the few.

"Looking around Clacton town centre, it is clear there are major problems that need to be fixed.

"We have far too many charity shops and empty store fronts, far too many big companies moving out like Marks and Spencer and not enough police on the beat.

"The Conservative government and local councillors have run Clacton into the ground.

"We need a change, Labour will work hard to encourage businesses to come back to Tendring and we intend to ensure Clacton becomes the premier Essex tourist destination it once was.”

Clacton Conservative councillor Paul Honeywood said the Tory-run district council decided to take action following Marks and Spencer's decision to pull out of the town.

"Town centres across the country are facing changes, it is not happening just happening here," he said.

"We recognise that business needs help as they are the ones that create jobs.

"That is why we have set up the Clacton town centre working group.

"This is looking at the long term future of Clacton and what can be done to enhance and help the town to prosper.

"Stakeholders have been invited to take part and put ideas forward.

"If Mr Morris or Labour have any positive ideas to help the town, they should get in touch with the working party's chairman Zoe Fairley to discuss them.

"Our whole town is in this together."