Large section of Colchester Castle Park weir collapses into river

Colchester City Council is working with the Environment Agency after part of the weir collapsed

A "large section" of a weir in a city centre park has collapsed into a river.

Brickwork fell into the River Colne, where it runs through Colchester Castle Park, as reported by the Gazette.

A Colchester City Council spokeswoman said: "We have closed the footbridge and the area surrounding the weir, with signage in place to stop access."

The council is also working with the Environment Agency and Essex Highways "to understand any further impacts following the collapse".

The area around the weir has been closed

The 11 hectare (27 acre) Grade II-listed park is close to the city centre.

The spokeswoman said the council notified Essex Highways and the Environment Agency after "a large section of the weir collapsed".

"We contacted the Environment Agency earlier this week due to a significant drop in water levels, who advised that there was no risk to wildlife or of flooding caused by potential damage to this structure," she said.

"We are now working with them to understand any further impacts following the collapse.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of visitors to the area, as well as taking any action we can on advice of the Environment Agency to mitigate risk of flooding or to wildlife."