Colchester weir collapse to be assessed by engineers today

Colchester Castle Park’s Middle Mill weir was washed away by powerful waves on Sunday after the structural integrity of its surrounding brickwork failed.

Bosses at Colchester Council suggested heavy rainfall and high river flows contributed to the significant deterioration of the structure.

The erosion of abutments connected to the Essex County Council-owned bridge, which is directly attached to the weir, was also cited as a concern.

Inspections - Essex Highways vehicles parked near the crumbled weir on Monday (Image: Public) (Image: Public)
Workers are now set to conduct further investigations at the site later today before a plan is established.

A spokesman for Colchester Council, which owns the weir, said: “We are working closely with ECC and a civil engineering contractor to assess the situation.

“Engineers will be visiting the site to assess the extent of the damage and determine if any temporary works can be undertaken to protect the bridge.

“A comprehensive plan will be developed to address the long-term stability of both the weir and the bridge, considering all available options.

“We understand the importance of the weir and bridge to the community and are committed to taking all steps to ensure public safety and minimise disruption.”

Collapsed - The remains of Colchester Castle Park's Middle Mill weir Image: Nicola Dines (Image: Public)
The dramatic collapses comes after major repairs were undertaken at the site back in 2000 after water penetrated the wall and washed away the soil.

On that occasion the project took several weeks, although this time it is feared any remedy works could take several months - and further collapses could be "likely". 

Colchester cyclist Edward Pasey, 62, said: “It is a very old structure from the old mill which used to be here so whether they could have inspected it more I don’t know.

“I am no expert but I think it is definitely going to erode the bank over the other side as well – it’s crazy and it’s sad because of the history of it.”

Maison Smith has also been left upset by the collapse.

"It’s really sad to see," he said. 

"I’ve spent many of times walking over there and even just sitting there. 

"Either they will leave it and build over it or they will put it in museum possibly and rebuild?

"But then that’s fixing broken history, which is quite sad to see."

Diversion - The weir has been barriered-off over safety concerns (Image: Newsquest)
As a result of the collapse, and “in the interests of safety”, the weir site has been barriered-off, preventing residents from being able to access the bridge.

Essex Highways has implemented a diversion route directing walkers and cyclists towards North Station Road. There is also a step-free route via Causton Road.