CRUNCH talks are being held over the future of a "neglected" beauty spot in Halstead.

Town councillors meet this week to discuss what improvements they would like to see made to the River Walk which runs to the west of High Street.

Bosses have said they are making the area a "priority" following a recent inspection of the footpath which runs alongside the River Colne and past Halstead Town FC's stadium in Rosemary Lane.

Town councillor Malcolm Fincken, who is a nominated river champion, says he is keen to see much-needed improvements made in the near future.

He said: "We are going to have a meeting on Monday to decide what we are going to put forward to Braintree Council in terms of improvements to the town's open spaces and river walk.

"The walk has been on the council's improvement list for a few years now without any action taking place. It's about time it was made a priority and something was done about it.

"The bit which is to the west of High Street is in a sorry state at the moment and does look neglected.

"If you look at the other side around Parsonage Street it's well sign posted and looked after.

Halstead Gazette:

  • Malcolm Fincken is calling for action

"I think if we were to improve the walk on the west side people will take pride in it and value it. They will want to keep it looking nice.

"It's only when something gets left neglected and is unloved that it starts to become untidy and messed around with."

A report into the current state of the river walk to the west of High Street highlights a seated-sculpture which has been vandalised and says particular attention is needed to the areas near to the Broton Drive Industrial estate and football ground.

It also states the footpath is has become bogged down in mud and is not wide enough for pushchairs due to "encroaching vegetation"

Funding for the improvements will come via section 106 agreements with house builders, who have to provide contributions to open spaces in Halstead as part of their planning permission.

Mr Fincken insists the river walk is vital to the town and hopes repairs to the notorious Riverside footbridge, which as been closed for six years, will prove the catalyst to revitalising the entire area.

He added: "We are starting to move things ahead with the footbridge and that is where this part of the river walk starts so hopefully improving the bridge can be a springboard for the rest of the walk.

"The river walk is an important part of Halstead, both for residents and visitors. It's one of the green lungs of the town and can contribute to the quality of life.

"We have some nice parks in Halstead and open spaces so it would be good to get this up to the same standards."