People are ignoring a bridge closure to try avoid a longer diversion following the weir collapse in Colchester Castle Park last year.

The historic Middle Mill Weir, in Castle Park, fell into the River Colne back in December 2023, with the nearby footbridge and a section surrounding the site being closed off as a safety precaution. 

It has now been more than 200 days since the incident and closure, to the frustration of some Colchester residents. 

Now a council document has revealed not everyone has been abiding by the closure. 

A council document says: “The current health and safety issue for the public lies around the bridge closure which the public are regularly trying to breach rather than take the longer diversion route.  

“The responsibility of this closure and diversion ultimately lies with Essex Highways however we are working together on this due to the integrated nature of the structures. 

“The safety herras fencing that was installed to stop access to the bridge and the weir structure has been heavily abused over the last few months and is near the end of its serviceable life.  

“Quotes have been received for a more substantial and taller fence which has now been ordered and this is due to be installed over the coming weeks. This will also improve the temporary look of the area which there have been concerns about.” 

Residents have also criticised the new ‘look’ of the river, with the lower water levels “considered to be visually unappealing”. 

The document states, that if left, the river should naturally regenerate and the riverbanks will revegetate, leaving this ‘unappealing’ situation only as a temporary situation.