PLANS to repair a historic weir which collapsed nearly a month ago and reopen its accompanying bridge have been stunted by bad weather and the Christmas break, council bosses have said.

Brickwork fell into the River Colne which runs under the former Middle Mill at the beginning of December.

Colchester Council and Essex Highways subsequently closed the Middle Mill footbridge and a section of structure surrounding the weir as a safety precaution.

Gazette: Damage - a section of the weir in Castle Park collapsed at the beginning of DecemberDamage - a section of the weir in Castle Park collapsed at the beginning of December (Image: Nicola Dines)

A diversion route taking residents around the site has been in place ever since.

Colchester Council has now provided an update in relation to when - or if - the weir will be repaired and how long before the bridge is reopened.

Gazette: Route - the diversion in place at the bridgeRoute - the diversion in place at the bridge (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman said: “We are advised Essex County Council, which owns the bridge, is still waiting for a period of drier weather to allow water levels to subside, to enable them to investigate and assess the structural damage.

“Unfortunately, construction companies have been closed over the Christmas period and so we are not much further on than we were last month with agreeing costs for potential repair works.”

Shortly after the collapses sandbags were placed at the site to "slow down" further erosion, with some worrying more collapses are “likely”.

Gazette: Help - the sandbags were placed around the remaining weir structure to slow down further erosionHelp - the sandbags were placed around the remaining weir structure to slow down further erosion (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell said repairs had been made to the weir in 2022.

"Last year’s repair took several weeks”, he said.

“My guess is this time the repair will take several months.”