SECURITY at an iconic water tower has been improved after intruders were spotted inside the giant building.

Witnesses had noticed people climbing into Jumbo in Colchester town centre.

Some were even seen in the cupola which is more than 30 metres above the ground.

In October, the Colchester and North East Essex Building Preservation Trust revealed they had reached an agreement with owner Paul Flatman to take on the building’s lease if they are able to raise the necessary cash to make a conversion realistic.

Trust director David Balcombe admitted trespassers on the site are a worry.

He said: “We are concerned about the vacant heritage which is at risk.

“If people are breaking in then it is heightening the risk of fires starting and arson attacks.

“We are trying to gain ownership of the building and if the roof was to burn down and collapse into the water tank it could end up costing us extra money to restore.

“It should be pointed out it is a dangerous building and it is not safe inside and anyone going in is putting themselves at real risk.

“Some people won’t take much notice of it but it is not a safe place to be.

“Hopefully more can be done to ensure people cannot get in.”

Eventually, the trust wants to have a bistro created in Jumbo with a kitchen above and a smaller restaurant and plans for an exhibition space on the highest level are now in the pipeline.

An activity zone in the legs, and a high wire experience could also be included in the scheme which is likely to cost more than £3 million.

A bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund is likely to be submitted next year.

Plater Claiborne Architecture and Design are the agents for the historic buildings, on behalf of owner Paul Flatman.

Simon Plater said they were aware people had got into the building and something was being done to stop it.

He said: “The client has been informed and steps have been taken to make access much more difficult.”

Since Jumbo stopped being used as a water tower in 1987, the building has had six different owners.

The history of the striking building was mentioned in a David Attenborough documentary on BBC television on Sunday about the elephant it is named after.