Moves are afoot to make Colchester a World Heritage Site and a “City of Culture”, on top of the official council policy of making the town a “prestigious regional centre”.

Does anyone think these laudable aims are likely to be achieved, if Colchester’s most prominent heritage building is turned into flats, a restaurant and office space, none of which are needed?

I refer to the current planning application for the Jumbo water tower.

The Balkerne Tower Trust’s alternative, of preserving Jumbo and making this grade II-listed building a national heritage attraction, open to all and contributing to the town’s tourism (Gazette, November 11) should be supported by everyone concerned about the future of Colchester.

Like all charities, we would be dependent on grants, public appeals, donations and fundraising.

But, for such a huge public benefit, we have every confidence in our success, were we to be given the opportunity.

We believe that, like the previous penthouse scheme, the scheme in the current application is not commercially viable.

Therefore, the most likely outcome, if permission is allowed, is that Jumbo will stand unattended for another five years with a leaking roof – a tremendous waste of a wonderful asset.

I appeal to concerned readers to see our website www.savejumbo.org.uk for full details of our proposals.

Brian Light
Chairman
Balkerne Tower Trust