THE builders behind a 1,600-home development in north Colchester are in line for millions of pounds of Government funding to help get it off the ground.

Mersea Homes and Countryside Properties have permission to build the homes on land off Nayland Road.

It is one of 36 projects shortlisted for part of an £850million fund to get new housing estates under way.

If the loan bid is successful, it is understood improvements will include:

* More traffic lights at the Essex Hall roundabout

* Changes to the roundabout at junction 28 of the A12, near the community stadium

* An overhaul of the A134 so it will run through the new estate.

For the full story, see Tuesday's Gazette