Historical weir could be removed after collapsing

The bridge at Middle Mill weir in Castle Park has been closed since part of the weir collapsed into the River Colne last year

A historical weir that collapsed into a river last year could be removed so that the area can be restored, a council was told.

Middle Mill weir in Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, crumbled into the River Colne on 10 December. Colchester City Council's Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday to review the options to address the damaged brickwork.

Sir Bob Russell, the High Steward of Colchester, told the panel he was disappointed by the authority’s response to the incident.

Darius Laws, the Conservative councillor who chairs the panel, said Sir Bob’s frustration was “legitimate” but the council had to consult with stakeholders such as the Environment Agency and Colchester Canoe Club.

Councillors discussed the future of the Middle Mill Bridge at a meeting at Colchester Town Hall on Tuesday

Over the past two weeks, new fencing and gates have been installed on both sides of a bridge connected to the weir, to prevent people from crossing. These have replaced temporary barriers and wire fencing.

The closure of the bridge has forced park visitors to take a lengthy diversion, which resident Steph Nissen previously told the BBC added an “additional 15 minutes” to her journeys.

The council has been considering replacing the weir with either a similar structure or a smaller alternative.

'Part of our heritage'

The closure of the weir has also impacted kayakers using the River Colne because of falling water levels, according to the canoe club’s chairwoman Amanda Gilmore.

“I look at that waterway and it brings tears to my eyes,” Ms Gilmore told the panel.

It is believed the weir has stood at the site for more than 900 years.

“This is part of our heritage, part of our history,” said Sir Bob, who served as MP for Colchester from 1997-2015.

“The people who live in the neighbourhood want it reinstated and I don’t think it’s asking too much,” he added.

Colchester City Council’s cabinet said it will discuss the options further at a later meeting.