Soccer: Fears over club plans (From Gazette)

Soccer: Fears over club plans

Fears are growing that Government may block plans to link the new Colchester Northern Approach Road with the A12 at Cuckoo Farm.

The news could mean an end to plans for a major development on the former Severalls Hospital and hopes of a new community stadium for Colchester United Football Club.

Exasperated town MP Bob Russell has called on the Highways Agency and developers to get round a table and thrash out all the problems.

He said: "The principle of a junction from the A12 to the Northern Approaches Road has been agreed for years but now the Government is saying the Highways Agency and the developer cannot agree.

"The very future of Colchester United Football Club is at risk if the move to a new ground does not go ahead."

Mr Russell said the NHS could also be a major loser, since it stands to benefit from millions of pounds to invest from the sale of the Severalls land.

In July, the MP was told the junction's design and location was being discussed.

But, today, he said: "Here we are some five months later and I am told the developers have still not provided the Highways Authority with all the information which is needed. It is an utter disgrace."

Published Friday, December 13, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette