FRINTON and Walton Town Council wants to become a joint lease holder of Walton’s Naze.

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

Some residents fear it will lead to restrictions, such as banning dog walkers from parts of the site.

Town councillors want to be named on the lease to safeguard the area from major changes.

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

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

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

“It should be partlymanaged by residents to some extent.

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

Essex Wildlife Trust has been given permission to build a £1million visitor centre at the Naze.