Plans for a £14.2million stadium in Basildon's Gloucester Park have been dropped - to the delight of protesters.

But today mystery surrounded the decision by the company behind the scheme, Stadia Management, to call a halt to the controversial project.

The development would have been used by Billericay Town Football Club and included a 4,000 capacity stadium, conference facilities, a hotel and a swimming pool.

The second stage of the public inquiry was due to start this week, but Stadia Management has withdrawn its application.

However, nobody at the company could comment on the reasons behind the sudden withdrawal - with even Billericay FC chairman Steve Kent unaware.

He said he was surprised by the news as the club had not been told about it.

He said: "I am disappointed. It is going to set back our plans and is going to affect our long-term revenue."

Protester Mark Witzer, 66, of Great Mistley, who gave evidence at the original inquiry in October, said: "I am over the moon. There is no stadium, there is no inquiry - the letter confirming it has arrived.

"I am determined that Gloucester Park shouldn't be anything other than a park, particularly a stadium for Billericay. It is not designed for a stadium."

But he supported Basildon Council's plans for a Sporting Centre of Excellence in the park, which would include a 50 metre pool and other public sports facilities.