COUNTY hall chiefs are "not big enough" to admit that their plans for a travellers' site in Colchester are flawed, it was claimed today.

Essex County Council won consent last year to create a permanent site for 12 families off Severalls Lane.

The scheme hit a snag when it emerged the verge leading to the site was too narrow for a new two-metre wide path, required by Colchester Council.

The county insisted it owned land alongside the verge to achieve the necessary width.

Ten months on, however, it has failed to provide proof of ownership.

Officials recently sent planners a diagram showing a two-metre wide path - but did not include any other information.

Gerard Oxford, borough councillor for High Woods, said: "I could send them a picture of a Rolls-Royce but it wouldn't mean I owned one.

"It seems to me that they know they don't have enough land for the footpath, but they are not big enough to own up and say they have made a mistake."

A county council spokesman said: "We are still looking at all the options and complex discussions have been held.

"It has been very difficult to find a solution that will please all the parties concerned."

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