PADDLEBOARDING, better cycle access and a new use for a former lido have been mooted as ways to improve access to the River Colne.

Colchester Council’s policy and public initiatives panel has been asked to look at how the waterway could be better utilised.

The river is already used by a number of sailing and rowing clubs, but the council wants to give people more access.

Among the plans being mooted are opportunities for boats and sports craft to use the water around Wivenhoe, Alresford Creek and Brightlingsea.

The council could also look at improvements to lighting and facilities for boats and create new moorings at King Edward Quay.

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But a report, set to go before councillors, said this would be subject to issues around silting and abandoned boats being addressed.

Other suggestions include:

  • protection of, and investment in, open spaces and public realm within the Gas Quay developments
  • recreational and sporting activities from East Street Weir to Middle Mill, through the Castle Park stretch, including paddle-boarding, canoeing and use of the river banks
  • seeking possible recreational uses for the disused lido to the North of Colne Bank Avenue
  • potential improvements to the length of the Colchester to Wivenhoe cycle route to allow for this to be extended
  • improved links from Colchester Hythe Station and Greenstead estate to the riverside and improved access to the Wivenhoe Trail from the university
  • a new, predominantly traffic-free and traffic-calmed route for cyclists from the Hythe to the town centre.

The report said: “The length of the river is split into a number of stretches of different character, with some potential additional recreational uses and complementary public realm improvements.”

The committee will be asked to recommend a way forward