THE leader of Tendring Council has warned of tough times ahead as millions of pounds of extra cuts still have to be made.

Mick Page told fellow councillors there are big challenges still facing the council in the next few years.

The council has had to cut millions of pounds from its budget in recent years as part of the Government’s austerity measures.

Tory leader Mr Page said: “We must continue our track record of finding efficiency savings including another £3.3million over the next two years.

“This will be tough given the savings already made.

“We need to become increasing self-sufficient, increasing the income from the New Homes Bonus and business rates, and relying less and less on the shrinking central Government grant."

He said the council would deliver a series of major projects this year, despite the cuts, including the £36million Clacton Coastal Protection Scheme and improvements to Walton and Dovercourt swimming pools, as well as building new council homes in Jaywick and other areas.