An extra £2 million looks set to be ploughed into Colchester’s beleaguered arts gallery tonight.

The borough’s councillors have been asked to vote on providing the additional cash after the costs of the Visual Arts Facility (VAF) project soared to £25 million.

Robert Davidson, leader of the Conservative group, said that he and his colleagues were planning to vote in favour of the motion.

Speaking before the full council meeting, he said: “With the evidence we have been given, we believe that the project still has a valuable role to play, both for residents and tourists.

“So we will support the extra £2 million.

“I’m disappointed that this has come about, though, and I’m not satisfied that the project is being well managed.”

Meanwhile, the council’s Labour group said they were planning to abstain from the vote.

Leader Tim Young said: “This is consistent with our record on voting on the VAF over the years.

“We realise that the council has been put in a very difficult position, but as a group we can’t bring ourselves to vote for this extra money.

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