£20,000 HOME FOR

MODEL

RACE

TRAC Model racers David King and David Wilde, of A1 Models who are hoping plans for a new home for Colchester Model Car Club get the go-ahead. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (17415-1 by LAURENCE CAWLEY

CHIEF REPORTER COLCHESTER is set to become home to the region's top race track for radio-controlled cars.

A group of model car enthusiasts are looking at spending £20,000 to create a professional track on a plot of agricultural land off Lodge Lane, in Langham

If Colchester Model Car Club gets permission to build the 50m by 30m track, the village could become host to regional, national and even international model car racing events.

Club chairman Alan Essam said the site would be the first time the club had an established base.

For years club members, some of whom have cars that reach speeds of 40mph and cost hundreds of pounds, have found themselves moving from location to location.

Club events draw in enthusiasts of all ages from around Colchester and other towns including Southend, Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.

Mr Essam said they were looking at both an asphalt track for speed racing and an off-road route.

Mr Essam said: "We are one of the biggest clubs with more than 80 members and we would like to build the best track in East Anglia.

"It is still undecided whether we want to lay out an asphalt surface and then put a track on it using fire-hose, or whether to lay a proper race track."

He said the basic rectangle surface would cost about £20,000 and a proper track would increase the cost.

The group have applied to Colchester Council for a recreation grant and other model car groups have applied for lottery money.

The group uses computer technology and are able to measure times to 1,000th of a second.

David King, former club chairman and owner of Colchester A1 Models, said the club had been using a site in Langham, next to the plot earmarked for the new track, for years without complaint or problem.

He said he was grateful to the landowner for offering the lease. However, the club would not own the track and he wondered whether the council might be able to offer the group a site.

Ken Jones, portfolio holder for employment, economic development, leisure and tourism, said: "If it draws people to the area and they spend a bit of money here we are more than happy, with the caveat that it doesn't cause traffic congestion. Last Updated on Wed 26 September 19101 at 15:0