WITH public debate over Government decisions raging these photographs show Colchester is not stranger to protests.

Among the most acrimonious include scenes almost 30 years ago when residents marched and fought in Colchester High Street against the Poll Tax.

A number of the images here show how protestors scaled the Castle Park gates, carried placards through the main precincts and voiced their opposition to Baroness Thatcher's unpopular tax which changed the way the levy used to fund councils was worked out.

In Colchester, protesters demonstrated in March and May, shouting anti-Government chants and triggering clashes with police officers.

But through the years they have made their views known on a whole host of subjects including, as seen here, conditions and wages for NHS staff, Apartheid and housing developments in villages.