The Community Stadium shadow board insists that it will continue to seek strong community usage in the new 10,000 all-seater facility, after it was revealed that the bid for funding for a library had not been successful.

It was hoped that £1million would be secured from a lottery bid to house a public library at the Cuckoo Farm site, but funding has been turned down.

"Whilst we are disappointed at the outcome of the Library bid we are currently pursuing a range of activities to take place at the Community Stadium," shadow board chairman Dave Murthwaite said.

"The Stadium Board, Colchester Borough Council, Colchester United Community Sports Trust and Colchester United Football Club are committed to the vision of Colchester's Community Stadium as a facility which will improve the quality of life of individuals and communities not just in Colchester but across Essex and the wider region.

"To this end we are consulting with a wide range of people to ensure that the Community Stadium offers unique opportunities for everyone to participate in and benefit from, and are already considering a number of activities from social and recreational opportunities to developing health and education programmes."

It is anticipated that the space previously set aside for the library will still be used for the public's benefit.