Sport England could help fund Colchester weir works

Colchester’s canoe club has been heavily impacted in its daily routines by the collapse of the Middle Mill weir last December. 

More than 200 days after the incident, Colchester Council has revealed three possible options for the weir, including a smaller rebuild, a replacement with a similar structure and the removal for ‘re-naturalisation’. 

At the council’s scrutiny panel meeting, members of the canoe club told councillors how much the club had suffered since the collapse. 

Impact - The canoe club has been directly impacted by the weir collapse (Image: Colchester Canoe Club)

Amanda Gilmore, chairman of the club told members of the panel that since the beginning, the club has reached around 30,000 children and 50,000 adults and introduced them to the joys of water sports. 

She said: “In the last two years we have looked closely at our key demographic with a view to expanding our services. Some of our members have joined us from disadvantaged backgrounds. With the provision of kit, equipment and coaching a few of us have been able to achieve exceptional outcomes, representing our country at competition level.” 

Mrs Gilmore explained the social value of the club, but said its current plans are on hold. 

She said: “In the short term, for safety, we are unable to access the river. In the long term, our ability to deliver our plan completely hinges entirely on the water levels. 

“The current water level has left inherent dangers we cannot mitigate to introduce new paddlers.” 

Canoeing and kayaking are enjoying growing popularity and Colchester’s club has produced a number of talents representing the country in international competitions. 

Mrs Gilmore said: “The collapse of the structure has been catastrophic for a number of reasons, one of which has been the total loss of our club’s activity.” 

Members - chairman Amanda Gilmore, club treasurer Steve Waters, club equipment officer Liam Robson and club head coach Sara Barwich (Image: Colchester Canoe Club)

Liaisons have revealed that possible funds from Sport England could be used for the weir repairs. 

Council leader David King said: “The impatience some may feels as we heard it from Sir Bob, we may understand it, but I know that we are doing all we can. 

“You can't underestimate how difficult it is to progress with anything that involves regulation and a number of different agencies. We’re going to have to have the right kind of balance between being patient enough and impatient enough to get cooperation.” 

Mr King added, he is in talks with Essex Highways, who own and manage the footbridge, asking a representative to visit the site ahead of further action, saying he should “see and feel first-hand the experience and the loss.”