A key part of the community facilities at Colchester United's new stadium has been scrapped, after a £1 million funding bid fell through.

There were hopes a much-needed public library to serve north Colchester would be set up in the stadium.

But a vital Lottery funding bid to kit out the service has been turned down, forcing bosses to abandon the plans.

The library was central to the stadium's pledge to be more than just a new home for the U's. The millions of pounds of funding hinges on the stadium providing community facilities as well as being a football ground.