A COUNCILLOR has called for a public square to celebrate Colchester’s Roman heritage.

Castle ward Conservative Darius Laws investigated the history behind the St Nicholas area which contains the grave of George Joslin Jnr.

The amateur 19th century archaeologist amassed a vast collection of Roman finds which were displayed in a museum he built at his home in Beverley Road, Colchester.

After Joslin’s death the finds ended up in the ownership of the Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service, many of which can be seen on display today in the Castle Museum, including the Roman Child’s Grave found in his own back garden, as well as the Tombstone of Roman centurion Marcus Favonius Facilis of the XX Legion.

Mr Laws said: “We’ve a golden opportunity to create a public square which can work both day and night and given George Joslin Jnr is buried there I think it would be a nice tribute to his work to create a Roman theme.

“This could be achieved with design features, materials, colours as well as a statue or sculpture or two.”

Mr Laws’ calls come as Fenwick unveiled two new bronze statues outside the store in High Street as the final piece of the massive redevelopment.

He added: “With Fenwick’s unveiling new sculptures, the restoration of our public subway mosaic art, calls for a Twinkle Twinkle little star monument and John Ball statue, now is the time to get creative.”

History teacher David Grocott has campaigned for several years for Colchester to mark Mr Ball – whose only recognition is a street called John Ball Walk.

On July 15 1381 John Ball was hung, drawn and quartered for his beliefs about equality.

And nursery rhyme Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was written more than 200 years ago in Colchester by Jane Taylor, a resident of West Stockwell Street.

He added: “I’m hopeful Colchester and Essex county councils can work together, along with the Diocese and other landowners, to realise the potential of this site and improve the public realm to ensure Colchester can become a destination of distinction.”

“The area in question will soon see planning applications to convert the former Jacks shop and the Co-op department store into restaurants and flats. Would a Roman themed public square be welcomed?”

A spokesman for the Entertainer toy shop, which overlooks the area, said: “We welcome attractions near to our stores as this increases footfall.”

The council’s regeneration boss Tim Young (Lab), added: “I think they are interesting ideas. I am always happy to speak to Darius and the other ward councillors about this.”

Mr Young said there could be an opportunity to use some money from the Co-op whose Long Wyre Street site is set to become apartments, shops and restaurants.

He said the ideas would be passed onto relevant officers.