A STRETCH of Colchester’s Roman wall, which started crumbling during the freezing winter, is to get £20,000 of repairs.

Colchester Council is to spend the money on halting the deterioration of the wall along Priory Street.

It also plans to put a barrier up to stop people sitting on the wall, chunks of which crumbled during the icy winter.

Paul Smith, councillor responsible for resources, said Priory Street was the top priority part of the Roman wall, much of which had suffered in the freezing conditions.

He added: “Some of the bad weather during the winter has caused us some trouble on the walls and that’s the next section that needs work done.

“We’ve maybe had people sitting on the walls and causing damage to them.

“I believe we’re going to repair and stop the deterioration of the wall and then put a barrier up there.”

The money is being taken from a dormant scheme to improve St Nicholas Square, between JJB sports, the Co-op and Jacks.

Mr Smith said: “The St Nicholas Square development is something that has been on hold for, I think, nearly three or four years.”

Will Quince, Conservative candidate for Colchester in next month’s general election, said £20,000 was not enough.

He added: “We need proper investment in our most unique asset in the town.

“We need to be increasing the budget for it.”

Mr Smith replied: “The Roman walls are a treasure for the town, but also in constant need of repair.

“I think there’s an almost unlimited amount of funds that could be spent on them, but we have to be careful with money.”