A NEW climbing wall that will help Colchester’s military and civilian communities scale new heights has been officially opened.

Both military and civilian climbers can tackle the 9-metre high wall at the garrison gymnasium in Berechurch Hall Road.

The new facility has been funded by fees paid by civilian sports clubs to use the garrison’s pitches, swimming pool, athletics track and sports hall, which is ring-fenced for improving these facilities in partnership with Colchester Council.

Brigadier Nick Perry, Lieutenant Colonel Ciaran Griffin and Adrian Pritchard, chief executive of Colchester Council, visited the wall yesterday to officially open it.

They watched a climbing lesson and met staff involved in developing the project.

Lt Cl Ciaran Griffin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: “The new climbing wall is a fantastic asset for both the Army and local sports clubs and community groups.

"This project is an excellent example of how Colchester Garrison has worked with Colchester Council to use income generated from the use of our pitches, track and pool, to provide facilities for the benefit of all in Colchester."

Mayor of Colchester, councillor Gerard Oxford, said: "I am incredibly proud of the close ties between the town and the Garrison, and of the partnership which has developed between us over many years.

"The new climbing wall is a wonderful example of this spirit of collaboration and support delivering excellent new facilities for both the Army, local sports clubs, and community and residents’ groups."

Councillor Annie Feltham, Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for Commercial Services, said: "We are delighted to have helped to provide this fantastic new facility.

"The council is proud to have worked in close partnership with Colchester Garrison on this project, which has created a tremendous asset that the whole community will be able to use and enjoy for many years to come."