BASILDON Council is one step closer to becoming a unitary authority after group leaders gave their backing to the proposals.

Phil Turner, leader of the administration, revealed last year he was in talks with his Conservative colleagues about the possibility of leaving Essex County Council.

The move would give the existing borough council more control, including over its highways and schools. Gavin Callaghan, Labour group leader, said: “I believe there is an overwhelming case to exit Essex County Council. We need to take the opportunity to secure the future of the borough.”

Kerry Smith, leader of the Independence group, also backed the proposals and called for areas including Runwell, which comes under Chemsford Council control, to become part of the Basildon borough.