COLCHESTER United fans can use the town’s park and ride car park on matchdays.

The decision comes after the £6million facility was opened at Cuckoo Farm, near the club’s Weston Homes Community Stadium, last week.

Council officials have now given the club the go-ahead to use the 1,000-space car park for weekend and midweek matches.

Like the park and ride, it will be free for the first few weeks, but fans will be charged thereafter.

It has not been decided how much parking will cost, or how it will be policed because park and ride customers pay on the bus.

As part of the park and ride scheme, a bridge was built over the A12, between the car park and Boxted Road. The bridge can be used by fans to reach the ground.

Matt Hudson, a U’s spokesman, said: “From our point of view, it’s great. It’s another opportunity to make life easier for fans and we will always welcome that.”

The facility was used by fans at Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe United.

Mr Hudson said: “It seems to have been used well. Our priority will always be our own car park, naturally, but it’s a great addition for fans.”

Anne Turrell, Colchester councillor for Mile End, said: “It’s great news. Quite often the stadium car park is full and I was really encouraged that Essex County Council was talking to the U’s about use of the parkand- ride car park.

“The walkway from the park and ride to Boxted Road is great.

I’ve walked it myself and it’s even quicker than crossing at the junction.”

The move had to be rubberstamped by the North Colchester Travel Management Group, which is responsible for planning traffic on match days.

A County Hall spokeswoman added it was always hoped fans would be able to use the park and ride car park once the service was up and running.