COLCHESTER High Street will be closed for a weekend as part of the £30million redevelopment of Williams and Griffin department store.

A 350-tonne crane is needed to carry out part of the reconstruction work.

Store bosses have to apply for permission to close the High Street to traffic for one weekend in June or July so the crane can be brought in.

Carl Milton, Williams and Griffin managing director, said: “We know the importance of the store to the town and we know we are changing history, but we do believe the work we are doing is for the better.

“We are excited with the redevelopment and this private investment presents a high level of intent in Colchester.”

Work is well under way on the project which is due to be completed by spring 2016.

Read the full story in today's Gazette.