SUPPORTING independent businesses will be a priority in a bid to revive parts of Colchester town centre.

Colchester’s Shops on the Walls scheme, earmarked for streets such as Sir Isaac’s Walk and Eld Lane, had stalled after being being mooted in 2010 due to lack of investment.

Nick Chilvers, a former retail manager, called on Colchester Council to consider the issue again ‑ and its policy and public initiatives panel agreed it should be a priority.

Mr Chilvers said: “There should be a distinctive feel, there’s no need to go over the top, we just need to cheer it up.

“We don’t need to turn it into Alton Towers but it will be a genuine tourist destination. The town isn’t just about heritage, it’s about commerce too.” The project will be led by Our Colchester, which is in charge of the town’s Business Improvement District schemes.

Sam Good, Business Improvement District manager, said the focus is on promoting independent businesses and filling empty units.

He said: “We are coming across a brick wall when approaching empty units that look terrible. We can make the town look outstanding but if you have empty units you are only as far as that empty unit.”

Theresa Higgins (Lib Dem) said she had concerns about time scale. She said: “We say we will have meetings and nothing gets done.

“I think we should start with something little. If everyone puts a plant outside their shop it would make a huge difference.”

Roger Buston (Con) said an expert like Mr Chilvers is needed. He said: “You have the enthusiasm. You know what success looks like and that’s crucial.

“Success isn’t dependent on the council or on money. This area has something different about it as it’s lots of little shops, it’s got people with gusto.

“If the council marched in with lots of money and sprinkled it about, it would only last as long as the money lasted.”

Plans will now go to Cabinet.