WORK has started to spruce up Colchester’s Jumbo water tower.

Paul Flatman bought the historic landmark last May for £190,000, but since then its condition has worsened.

In December, Colchester Council issued Mr Flatman with a notice requiring him to cut back vegetation within 2.5 metres of the base of the tower, repair the guttering, repair and repaint the top of the tower, replace any broken glass and fix a broken section of railings.

Work began on Wednesday to cut back the vegetation.

Brian Light, chairman of the Balkerne Tower Trust, said: “It is good to see the work starting. We just hope all the work which is required is carried out.

“I am quite optimistic about the shortterm future for Jumbo.”