THE council’s of Thurrock and Southend are leading the way to the region’s future prosperity, according to Thurrock leader Councillor John Kent.

The two local authorities are working together both to maintain the area’s Thames Gateway partnership – which also involves Basildon, Rochford and Castle Point – after Essex County Council withdrew last month.

The authorities are also talking about creating a “combined authority” concentrating on transport and growth.

Mr Kent said: “Since Essex County Council unilaterally decided to withdraw from South Essex so ending the very successful Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership, our joint working with colleagues in Southend has strengthened further as we consider possible successor options.

“A combined authority is one of these options.”

He explained: “Thurrock and Southend are two unitary councils in south Essex connected by the River Thames, by transport corridors, by commuting flows, by business supply chains and by markets. “Bringing our authorities closer together to enhance business networks will support business productivity and competitiveness as well as creating more job opportunities for our communities.”

He said that where a combined authority had been created in Greater Manchester it had attracted “a number of additional powers and funding streams by the government, as part of a deal”.

Mr Kent said he wanted to see Thurrock heavily involved in the devolution debate in England. He said: “I want Thurrock leading the way and I want Thurrock working with our all our south Essex partners to get the best possible deal for delivering the infrastructure and growth needed to benefit all of our communities.”