A “CRUMBLING” foundation stone at the base of Colchester Town Hall is a symbol of the council’s “fragility”, Colchester’s High Steward has claimed.

Colchester Town Hall stands proudly in Colchester High Street.

It has been the centre of civic duties since it opened in 1902 on the site of the former moot hall.

The clock tower is a grand 162 feet high and is topped by a figure representing St Helena, the patron saint of the town.

But Sir Bob Russell, the town’s former MP and mayor and now its High Steward, said a lack of action over a “crumbling” foundation stone is a “poor reflection” on Colchester Council, which is responsible for maintaining the building.

“Some unkind people may think this is symbolic of the current state of play with the borough council,” he said.

“The town hall is a Grade I listed building, the highest national listing for buildings of historic or architectural importance.

“Colchester Council, as the local planning authority, has a duty to ensure all listed buildings – regardless of who owns them – are looked after, with Acts of Parliament giving them the legal powers to insist that they are cared for.

“It is a poor reflection that a council-owned building, one with a national listing, has a foundation stone which is crumbling.”

Gazette:

Crumbling - the town hall's foundation stone

Darius Laws, Conservative ward councillor for Castle, which includes the town centre, agreed.

He said: “We have to set a strong example of civic pride. This includes looking after our historical assets.

“If our council is not looking after its own town hall, what does that say?

“This is rather symbolic of how fragile this current council administration is.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “Condition surveys are undertaken of all council buildings every five years and are underway again this year.

“Budgetary constraints mean repairs are prioritised, which have a direct impact on either the normal operation of the building or the health and safety of the public and staff.

“The weathering of the foundation stone does not fall into these categories, but is cosmetic in nature.

“Given the importance of the stone, we will discuss with Historic England to determine what options may be available within budgetary limitations.”