Middle Mill weir remains closed 300 days after collapse

In December, a large section of the Middle Mill weir in Colchester Castle Park crumbled into the River Colne.

As a result, its nearby footbridge and a section surrounding the site were closed off as a safety precaution, remaining shut ever since.

This week marks 300 days since the incident. 

Colchester Council has told the Gazette the weir repair is a "complex issue" and work remains ongoing. 

A spokesman said: “We understand the importance of this site to the local community and appreciate their continued patience as we work with Essex Highways towards a sustainable, long-term solution for the bridge and the weir.

Aerial - the bridge from above (Image: Credited) “Our primary focus now is to safely remove the collapsed weir structure and separate this from the footbridge. Specifications are currently being drawn up based on the results from the surveys we have undertaken.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding as we navigate this complex issue.”

High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell said: “Under the current regime, we had a message that consultants are still discussing the report of the weir.

Unimpressed - Sir Bob Russell is appalled that the weir is still yet to be sorted (Image: Credited) “It’s not acceptable or good enough and it’s a poor show of leadership from Colchester City and Essex County Council.

“This route poses important links between Castle Park to the likes of the Dutch Quarter.

“Day 302 and we’re still talking about reports with consultants, it just shows a lack of energy and political leadership.

“As soon as possible is long since gone, it should have been done before the spring.

“If I was on the council I would be embarrassed, and the delay is not acceptable.”

Councillor for Castle ward, Richard Kirkby-Taylor said: “First of all, I want to reassure everyone that myself, [and fellow ward councillors] Mark and Kemal are doing all we can, so the paths come back.

Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor ensures residents him and his fellow councillors are doing all they can (Image: Credited) “It may look like nothing is happening, but the surveys have been done and this type of wet engineering is messy and complicated.

“We have looked at the possibility of temporary bridges and unfortunately, they are extremely expensive.

“Lots of residents would have noticed the cracking on the sides, amplify that up and we don’t know how much of the path is going to fall away, so we need to be careful, and safety is paramount.”