Colchester Labour join forces with Sir Bob Russell to create Middlewick Forum

Colchester Labour Group has joined forces with Sir Bob Russell, the town’s former Lib Dem MP and Colchester High Steward, to set up a forum to look at ways of preserving Middlewick Ranges.

The MoD is set to dispose of the ranges next year, which has been allocated for housing in Colchester Council’s Local Plan, with plans for 1,000 homes of the site.

Labour group leader Tina Bourne said councillors had been impressed with Sir Bob’s drive to save the beloved open space.

She said: “Labour is impressed with Sir Bob Russell’s passion for Middlewick and, although we have had our differences in the past, we feel that only Sir Bob can help to co-ordinate the conversations that need to take place within our communities to preserve the beautiful space of Middlewick.

“I am delighted Sir Bob has suggested a Middlewick Forum to use his knowledge of Colchester, helping to bring together all the groups that care about the future of Middlewick in one big conversation.”

Labour councillors have been criticised by their Conservative counterparts for voting against an amendment to divert funds into a feasibility study for a country park at Middlewick.

However, the group say funding for this could still come from the Local Plan budget, although they say this alone won’t save The Wick.

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Mrs Bourne said: “The MoD are selling the land to plug a hole in their budget. They need to be good neighbours and leave the people of Colchester with a legacy to be proud of.

“No, we do not want to see 1,000 houses on this land, but we are not the land holder nor developer.”

Sir Bob added: “Encouragingly, since my Gazette article I have also been contacted by some Conservative councillors and Liberal Democrats.

“It is clear there is a consensus across the political parties for a resolution which unites councillors on Middlewick.

“There are many things on which there are legitimate differences between political parties, but with Middlewick the differences are minor in substance.

“Therefore, for the greater good, let’s unite around what is the common objective – and that is to work to an agenda which is realistic.”

Sir Bob will chair the new Middlewick Forum once it is created.