RESIDENTS have been given the chance to say what improvements they want at Colchester’s Castle Park.

But Colchester Council bosses have revealed they only have what is understood to be a low six-figure sum available.

Other schemes would need to be funded in future years.

It has identified six projects it thinks are a priority, but wants visitors to fill in a questionnaire setting out what their priorities are.

Martin Hunt, Colchester councillor responsible for leisure, said: “Castle Park is such an important public space we want to ensure as many people as possible enjoy it.

“The findings of the consultation will help inform our decisions so we can prioritise what people like about the park and identify areas where we can improve.

“It’s important everyone is involved. We would love to see as many people at the discussion as possible.”

People are being asked about what they want in a proposed activity area, with possibilities including a new play area, an education and resource centre, a visitor centre, a better cafe, new toilets or miniature golf.

The education and resource centre would cost in the region of £250,000, whereas a new nine-hole putting green would be £20,000.

Other proposals are to move the upper bowling green to the lower site and recreate the Roman rampart there, at a cost of about £180,000. The council could also create a new park entrance at Duncan’s Gate and offer information on the gate for £71,000.

It could restore the park’s sensory garden and Hollytrees lawn for up to £25,000.

New toilets, a cafe kiosk and a boat shelter, store and terrace could all help improve the boating lake, while about £257,000 would buy a new gate and vehicle bridge near the cricket ground to help access events at Lower Park.

A bid for £3.5million of enhancements to the Victorian park was turned down at the first hurdle by the Heritage Lottery Fund last month.

Questionnaires are available at colchester.gov.uk, the visitor information centre, Castle Park Cafe and the customer service centre in Angel Court.

Discussion sessions will also take place at Hollytrees lawn on Saturday and on September 12, between noon and 4pm.