Protesters Mark One-Year Anniversary of Colchester Footbridge Closure

Demonstrators convened at a historic footbridge in Colchester before proceeding through the city centre. Their action commemorated the one-year anniversary of the structure’s closure to the public, following the collapse of the Middle Mill weir in Castle Park and its overlying footpath in December 2023. A Year 6 student participating in the protest displayed to the BBC a letter she had dispatched to her local Member of Parliament and the council, advocating for the repair work to receive priority. Colchester City Council indicated that the removal of the collapsed weir might commence as soon as March. Tony Bland, a local resident who spearheaded the protest on Tuesday, initiated a petition demanding swifter progress, which has garnered over 1,500 signatures. “There’s a strong pent up feeling of frustration and even annoyance towards the lack of action,” he stated. In her correspondence addressed to Colchester Labour MP Pam Cox and the city council, Darcie, a pupil at North Primary School and Nursery, asserted: “Our community must have safe, accessible walking paths – it is an essential part of the safety of the people living in this town.” Other individuals who frequent the park expressed skepticism regarding the completion of the bridge repair work within the coming year. Howard Banham commented that although he was not significantly impacted by the bridge’s closure, he believed it could have been rectified considerably faster. “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it doesn’t happen for another year or two,” he remarked. “It’s a shame not having the bridge.” Additional concerns have been voiced regarding the accessibility of the alternative route around the river, which one local individual reported takes 15 minutes to traverse on foot. Jessie Crosby stated: “It’s not really a viable amended access route because there’s no disabled access and the stairs are quite steep.” Miss Crosby highlighted the absence of street lighting along the diversion route around the weir, noting that she occasionally felt insecure walking there after dark. “If you’re by yourself and it’s getting late, you tend to think is it really worth going that way?” she questioned. “So you end up driving and then you have to pay for parking.” David King, the Liberal Democrat leader of Colchester City Council, commented: “We know the last year has been particularly difficult for local residents, but we have made great strides in assessing the damage, exploring options for the future, and ensuring public safety remains our priority.” The city council holds responsibility for the maintenance of the weir, whereas Essex Highways is accountable for the footpath. A spokesperson for Essex Highways informed the BBC that it continues to provide assistance to the city council “as it searches for a solution that prioritises public safety and minimises inconvenience.”