FUNDING for a major link road in Colchester has been found.

Planned development of the £9million Northern Approach Road to ease congestion in the north of the town has received a reprieve.

Colchester Council leader, Anne Turrell, told councillors “forward funding” had been agreed.

The road is a crucial link between the new Cuckoo Farm A12 junction, which is months ahead of schedule, and the town centre.

It is also vital to the planned park and ride system for Colchester.

The plans looked to be falling apart after the Government, Essex County Council and the NHS said there was no money available for the road.

Mrs Turrell told the council’s strategic overview and scrutiny panel: “We have found a way of forward funding.”

After the meeting, she added: “I can’t say where it is from, but it is really good news.”

She said she hoped the funding source would survive Government spending cuts, but refused to confirm where the funding was coming from.

Essex County Council also dodged the question.

Roger Walters, deputy cabinet member for transport, said: “We share councillor Turrell’s optimism that funding will be found for the Northern Approach Road and Essex County Council is currently in discussions with partners at both the Homes and Communities Agency and North Essex Mental Health Partnership to find a way forward.

“The Northern Approach Road will be a very important part of supporting long-term investment, growth and jobs in Colchester and north Essex and has been a long-term ambition of Essex County Council, Colchester Council and Colchester Renaissance.

“We are fully committed to working proactively with our partners and finding the best way forward in the shortest possible time.”

Earlier this year, North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said it would not sell its half of the Severalls Hospital site for 1,500 homes, unless it made a profit.

It also said the trust would not pay towards the approach road because developers were not offering enough for the site.