Bridge repairs resume after being halted by birds

A diversion has been in place since the footbridge closed in December 2023

Repairs to a bridge that closed to the public more than 500 days ago have resumed after the discovery of bird nests halted work.

Work to repair the bridge - which closed in December 2023 when part of the Middle Mill weir at Castle Park in Colchester fell into the River Colne - started last month but was suspended on the same day.

Colchester City Council, which is responsible for the weir itself, said work had restarted "with close attention being paid to the wildlife throughout".

One moorhen nest was still active and remained undisturbed, and measures were being taken to prevent new nests from forming, the authority said.

A spokesperson said: "We'll continue to monitor the site closely to ensure that wildlife is protected while essential repairs are carried out."

They added "likely nesting activity from a wren" had also been discovered under the bridge - an area currently unaffected by the repairs.

According to the RSPB, moorhens and wrens are protected under UK wildlife law and it is illegal to move the nest of any wild bird while it is in use.

Work was able to resume after a on-site meeting last week.

A diversion of about 1km (0.6 mile) has been in place while the footbridge, owned by Essex County Council, has been closed.