TONIGHT a motion to reduce the number of councillors in the develpoment committee at Rochford district council was passed, much to the dismay of protesters.

At Rochford District Council's full council meeting, 23 members voted to reduce the number of members on the committee. Only nine were against the plans - meaning it was passed. 

Until now, all 39 councillors sat on the development committee that deals with the allocation of housing the in district. It will now be reduced by two thirds to just 13.

The public gallery was full of residents protesting against the proposal feeling it would be the 'death of democracy', as their many signs and banners stated.

Members of the Rayleigh Action Group and Hullbridge Residents association went as far as building their own coffin and bringing a wreath to protest against the motion, feeling it would take away their representation in the committee.

The motion was put forward by Tory councillors Terry Cutmore and Keith Hudson.

Some council members legally challenged the motion and said it was invalid, however the council's legal team said much reseach into the matter proved the motion to be legal and valid.