COLCHESTER Council is hoping to kickstart repair works on a quay which collapsed during high tides.
Spring tides on the River Colne last year saw a damaged section of sheet wall piling collapse along the Hythe to Rowhedge footpath at Fieldgate Quay.
A small section of the footpath also gave way, with metal piling plunging into the water.
Now Colchester Council says it wants to reassure residents planning work continues for the quay even though CTruks Marine Services, which operated its business at the council-owned site, has gone into liquidation.
Simon Crow, Colchester councillor responsible for environment and sustainability, said: “We have been working closely with CTruks Marine Services over the past year regarding the repairs to Fieldgate Quay.
“This included ensuring arrangements were in place for the company to continue operating on the site whilst repairs were undertaken.
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“There was no indication from the company they were in financial difficulties until we heard from the liquidator, and I must stress this is not related to the river wall issue.”
The council has now been advised by the liquidators the site will be cleared by the end of the month and at that point, the site will be returned to the council as the landlord.
It says lots of work has been going on behind the scenes to repair the river wall, including investigation surveys.
A council spokesman added: “With the site coming back to the council, it means there is the opportunity to look at different options in terms of the repair and the reopening of the footway.
Read more: Pictures show the damage as part of footpath at River Colne quay collapses
“When the land does come back to the council, the priority will be to ensure the site is made safe and then to re-open the river footpath.
“This may require a temporary diversion to allow travel along the riverbank between Rowhedge and the Hythe.
“It is possible the repair plans may now change considering the change of circumstance with the site. This is now under review, and the council will provide an update when this work is complete.”
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