A TOWN council wants to become a joint lease holder of Walton’s famous Naze clifftop to safeguard the site.

Tendring Council is considering leasing the 45-hectare Naze green space to Essex Wildlife Trust.

If the move goes ahead the trust will manage the area instead of the local authority.

But some residents fear it would lead to restrictions being placed on the site.

There are concerns the trust would treat the Naze as a nature reserve, despite assurances from the district council that no restrictions would be allowed under the lease.

Now town councillors want Frinton and Walton Town Council to be named on the lease - in addition to the wildlife trust – in a bid to safeguard the area against major changes.

Deputy mayor Jack Robertson said: “I’m completely behind Essex Wildlife Trust taking over the Naze and I think it will be of huge benefit to our town.

“But as a council I would like us to be joint lease holders with the trust.

“I would like local people to still be able to have their say on what happens at the Naze because it is an incredibly popular and important area for Walton."

The town council plans to contact the district council and Essex Wildlife Trust with the proposal.

Tendring Council is currently carrying out a consultation over the lease, which would see the wildlife trust take charge of the site for the next 99 years.

People can submit comments to Tendring Council until January 17.