OPPOSITION councillors have forced a delay on plans to set up a temporary park-andride scheme near Colchester's new Community Stadium.

Colchester Council's cabinet has agreed to support and provide £200,000 for a scheme to use land south of the stadium to provide up to 500 parking spaces.

But Gerard Oxford (Ind, Highwoods), supported by four other councillors, has "called in" the decision.

It means the issue will be debated by the authority's strategic overview and scrutiny panel on Wednesday, when Cllr Brian Jarvis, portfolio holder for regeneration and planning, will be summoned to defend the park and ride scheme.

The reasons for the call-in are to ensure all options have been considered, to look at the strain the temporary facility might add to the road network, and to allow full consultation of nearby residents and football fans.

The meeting will also scrutinise the donation of £200,000 to Essex County Council, to help it set up the scheme, and the wisdom of lending land to house it.

If it does go ahead, Essex County Council will prepare a planning application for determination by Colchester Council's planning committee with a view to the park-and-ride opening late next year.

The meeting will be held at 6pm at the University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Wivenhoe.