Bridge still closed 200 days after weir collapses

Brickwork from a weir at Castle Park in Colchester collapsed into the River Colne on 10 December 2023

Park visitors are frustrated after they still have to walk an "additional fifteen minutes” on diversion after a weir collapsed into a river 200 days ago.

Brickwork from the weir at Castle Park in Colchester city centre collapsed into the River Colne on 10 December 2023 and a footbridge has been closed ever since.

Resident Steph Nissen felt the diversion was unsuitable for people with accessibility needs because of potholed pavements and a set of steps.

However, Colchester City Council said a new “fully accessible diversion route” was introduced in June. Essex Highways confirmed it is continuing to work with the city council to minimise disruption for users of the park.

Colchester resident Steph Nissen said the diversion took an "additional fifteen minutes" compared to crossing the bridge normally

Ms Nissen said the closure of the bridge had “an absolute impact” on her and her neighbours.

“It really isn't good enough for residents and visitors that we are still having to suffer this 200 days on,” she said.

Colchester City Council said it has made “significant progress” to resolve the situation, including working with the Environment Agency to address flood concerns, and that structural engineers had visited the site several times.

It said: “We are committed to resolving this issue as effectively as possible and will continue to provide updates as we move forward with the necessary repairs and safety measures.”

Essex Highways added it is considering “potential longer-term solutions” alongside its partners at the city council.

City councillors are expected to discuss a report outlining how much money it would cost to fix the collapsed weir at a meeting on 9 July.