Repairs to Hythe to Rowhedge path set to start by autumn

Colchester Council has been investigating repairs to the sheet piled river wall at Fieldgate Quay in Hythe, where the piling has begun to detach from the river bank.

The nearby footpath, which links Hythe and Rowhedge, has been shut in the interests of safety.

The authority says it is now working with contractors to confirm a start date for repairs, with work set to begin by the autumn.

Dan Gascoyne, chief operating officer, said: “The repair to Fieldgate Quay is a high priority for the council.

“Engineers are visiting the site weekly to do visual checks to monitor the damage to Fieldgate Quay river wall, and I can reassure residents there has been no further movement in the damaged sheet pile wall or riverbank since December.

“I can confirm repair plans to replace the sheet piling in that section of the river have been agreed.

"Due to the complex nature of these works and the various statutory permissions needed, contractors are unlikely to start re-piling on site until autumn.”

Repairs to a crumbling part of the quayside in Hythe are set to begin this autumn

An environmental consultant has been brought in to help with plans for the repairs, as the River Colne is an internationally important wildlife site.

Read more:

• Hythe to Rowhedge path to remain closed for more than a year
• Hythe to Rowhedge footpath closed for several months due to quay collapse
• WATCH: Drone footage shows scale of damage to Colchester quayside

Anglian Water is working with the council on the repairs and Colchester Council said there is no concern about the water outlet pipe nearby,

Officers are also in contact with CTruk Marine Services, the business on the land next to the section of affected riverbank, to ensure site safety.

Mr Gascoyne added: “We recognise the footpath closure is frustrating to regular users and we are continuing to look at options for a safe diversion that people can use around this part of the riverside.

"Whilst we continue to look for a possible diversion, we urge people, for their own safety, not to attempt to access the closed section of footpath.”

Earlier this year the council said the footpath is likely to remain closed for more than a year whilst the complex repair works are completed.