Road closure to repair Colchester pub sees traffic chaos

Queen Street has been closed to traffic from the High Street and East Hill while repairs works are carried out to the Queen Street Brewhouse.

Works started on Monday and are due to last 13 days. 

But on the first day of works drivers and bus passengers were left scratching their heads after encountering long queues and buses which did not turn up. 

Works - Essential works to preserve a pub in Queen Street, which was hit by a bus, is being carried out (Image: Newsquest)

The Queen Street Brewhouse, which is well-known for its music, applied for planning permission in November 2023 to fix the Grade II listed building’s facade after it had been damaged by a bus. 

The impact, which is said to be the second time in two years, left the historic building, which is believed to date back to the 17th century with a crack, which was in need of repair. 

During the latest incident in September 2023, a sign was ripped off the facade and parts of the pavement were blocked to ensure pedestrians’ safety. 

Earlier this year, in March, Colchester Council’s planning department approved the application with the works finally being carried out. 

Signs announcing the road closure were set up in early November, and a diversion through Priory Street has been put in place. 

Diversion - Traffic is being diverted through Priory Street (Image: Newsquest)

But Essex County Council said on Monday works began it became apparent the traffic plan "would no longer be adequate." 

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: "A road closure for Queen Street was put in place to ensure public safety while structural repairs are carried out to a listed building damaged earlier this year.

“However, once works started it became clear the traffic management plan would no longer be adequate.

"We are working closely with the traffic management company responsible to address issues with their initial plans. We have instructed them to revise these urgently and prioritise overnight works to reduce disruption.

"While we've requested the scaffolding and road closure to be removed as soon as safely possible, this cannot happen immediately due to the building’s structural vulnerability.”

Chaos - Traffic queues in the city centre on Monday (Image: Newsquest)

Castle Ward councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor encouraged residents who have concerns about warning to open the dialogue about better ways to communicate. 

He said: “I don’t know what else could have been done as all the standard messages were put out. If there are any ideas on how road closures can be better communicated, please feel free to reach out and we will take any idea in good faith.” 

Work - Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor is glad to see work is being done on the historic building (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Kirkby-Taylor, however, is glad to see that work has started at the historic building. 

He said: “I’m glad to see the building is being repaired. Anything we can do to keep our historic buildings in good condition and off the risk register would be a good thing. 

“This preventative work is important for the historic fabric of a lot of buildings and if it had collapsed, there could have been fatalities.”