NEGOTIATIONS to get the planned £130million reorganisation of Colchester secondary schools back on track failed to reach an agreement last night.

Officials, Philip Morant School and community groups reported “good progress” on talks to bring to an end a month-long search to find a route for a controversial access road.

The Norman Way school said it would not agree to expansion as part of Essex County Council’s revamp of secondary education in the town unless it got an alternative entry route. A proposal to build the road over land known as the Green had sparked major opposition from nearby residents.

Colchester Council’s cabinet agreed to the principal of a new access route in December, with last night’s negotiations looking to settle on a road through former allotment land to the east of the Green to meet all interests.

A statement from all parties in the negotiations said the process is on-going.

“There is no definite plan, but as soon as we have it we will share it and we anticipate that will be next week,” the statement said.

Once the route is agreed Philip Morant apply to Colchester Council for planning permission for the route.

County Hall officials are set to make a bid for £130million from the Government’s Building Schools for the Future fund. It is expected to be lodged next week.

County Hall wants to close Alderman Blaxill and Thomas Lord Audley schools and expand or rebuild other secondary schools.