PASSIONATE Colchestrians set out the case for and against changing the town’s strapline.

Several public speakers, as well as councillors, spoke at a meeting of Colchester Council’s scrutiny panel on Friday.

Addressing the meeting, the town’s Tory MP Will Quince repeated his accusation the council’s cabinet had acted arrogantly over its decision.

He said: “I am hugely passionate about our town’s past and also passionate about its future.

“That is why it is so important that we get this right and make sure we make the right decision.

“The old strapline has been there for decades - this council decided to change it with just six minutes of discussion. Does anybody think that is acceptable?”

Arts aficionado Dorian Kelly said the town needed a strapline everyone could get behind.

He said: “People say if you have strapline which needs explaining it is not worth having. We should be pushing all things Colchester was first in.

“I suggest there is a whole marketing campaign based upon something new which we all agree on.”

Simon Crow (Cons, Castle) said: “I am not opposed to change where it brings benefits but this does not bring any benefits."