WORK to build Colchester’s first park and ride and a neighbouring McDonald’s restaurant has started.

Cranes are placing the two-storey drive through restaurant on land next to the BP service station at Cuckoo Farm, off junction 28 of the A12.

Next door, Essex County Council contractors have begun building a road to the long-overdue park and ride, which will have 1,000 spaces when it opens in March next year.

The developments are the latest to take place near the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

See Thursday's Gazette for more