Colchester: Concern River Colne view near North Bridge could be lost

High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell claims the water level of the River Colne between North Bridge and the site of the Middle Mill, near Castle Park, is “less attractive” after being lowered.

Sir Bob says the issue is linked to the Middle Mill Weir which collapsed into the River Colne in December last year.

The site and footbridge were closed off as a safety precaution.

The area was immortalised in paint by former Colchester Gazette and Essex County Standard picture editor Ted Ramsdale.

The view near North Bridge of the River Colne weir (Image: Sir Bob Russell)

Sir Bob claims the water level of the river in the area is “a tenth of what it was” over the past 1,000 years.

He said: “July 22 is day 225 from when the weir collapsed on December 10 last year.

“The public footpath, used daily by thousands of pedestrians and cyclists, has been blocked since then.

“In recent weeks a very expensive set of railings has been erected, thus from this I conclude that Colchester City Council and Essex County Council do not have any sense of urgency to get this public footpath re-opened.

Area - North Bridge (Image: Google Maps)

Worried - Sir Bob Russell (Image: Public)

“Not only is the closure of the footpath of inconvenience to pedestrians and cyclists on a daily basis, it has also affected events on Lower Castle Park, specifically on one side of the river and event visitors who park on the other side, on Kings Meadow.

“Regrettably, I see no indication that Colchester City Council will restore the weir at Middle Mill and thus restore the level of water which had existed since Saxon times, and which made the scene at North Bridge so picturesque that it captured the attention of photographers and artists.”

Last month fencing was put up around the closed footpath and bridge.

Beautiful - a painting by Ted Ramsdale of the Riverside Cottages next to North Bridge (Image: Sir Bob Russell)

One resident said the fencing looked like a “prison”.

Talks are still underway between Colchester Council, the Environment Agency, Essex County Council, the canoe club and residents over the future.

It is believed the cost to repair the bridge and weir could be more than £500,000.

A spokesman for Colchester City Council said: "In recent weeks, we have installed more secure fencing and informative signs at the weir.

"These measures are essential to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists while we work on the necessary repairs.

"We understand the inconvenience caused by the footpath closure, but our primary concern is the safety of our residents.

"The bridge had to be closed to prevent any potential damage from further movement of the remaining weir structure.

"While the bridge itself remains intact, ensuring the safety of our residents is our top priority.

"We recognise the historical significance of Middle Mill and the picturesque views it offers.

"The council is dedicated to reopening the footpath as soon as it is safe to do so.

"We appreciate the community’s patience and will continue to provide updates on the progress of the repairs."