MILLION pound plans to connect Wivenhoe and Rowhedge with a state-of-the-art bridge are back on the agenda, the Gazette can reveal.

The plans - which would cater for pedestrians and cyclists - were set to be discussed at a meeting of East Donyland Parish Council last night.

Proposals to connect the two have long been on the cards but official plans have never been brought forward.

But now borough and county council bosses have agreed to back the plans by applying for £15,000 to fund a feasibility study into the plans - as long as the public is in support.

That study would look at how the bridge could be built, where it could be built and how it would allow for boats to pass underneath it.

The Gazette understands the bridge itself would cost at least £1 million.

Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council highways boss, was due to listen to campaigners during last night's meeting.

He said: "The parish council has asked me for some time to support a bridge going over the River Colne.

"I know this is something which has been going on for about 50 years and there does seem to be support in Rowhedge but whether agreement will come from Wivenhoe, we will have to wait and see.

"But if the majority view is for it, then we will look at it."

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor for the Old Heath and the Hythe, which includes Rowhedge, said: "This is something which the majority of people voted for as part of the village plan consultation, so we know there is support for it.

"But there is no doubt it would cost an awful lot of money given it would have to allow river traffic to pass underneath it.

"However, the thought of a footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists is very appealing.

"But it is certainly something of a Marmite question in Wivenhoe, where people are very split on it."

Shaun Boughton, a leading member of the Wivenhoe Independents on the town council has worked closely with the man behind the plans, Rowhedge resident John Niland, and has thrown his weight behind the proposals.

Mr Boughton said: "The issue for people in Wivenhoe is a fear it will turn into a road bridge, which is won't. It will be for walkers and cyclists and it opens up so much in terms of cycle network.

"It would mean people from Rowhedge could use Wivenhoe's infrastructure, and vice versa and I'm sure the thought of accessing the London mainline train in Wivenhoe would be well-supported in Rowhedge.

"We have more bars and restaurants on this side of the water, too, so I can only see our side benefitting as well."

The £15,000 study would likely be funded by cash from the Local Highways Panel.

Mr Boughton said once East Donyland Parish Council had met with highways boss Mr Bentley, he would be invited to meet with Wivenhoe town councillors in the New Year.