A QUAY which collapsed during high tides can now be accessed by workers to allow repairs to begin.

A damaged section of sheet piling collapsed along the Hythe to Rowhedge footpath last August when tides on the River Colne overpowered infrastructure site.

A small segment of the footpath in Colchester also crumbled, with metal piling plunging into the water.

Colchester Council now says it can access the site after CTruks Marine Services, which previously operated its business at the council-owned site, went into liquidation.

A council spokesman said: “We have been advised by the liquidators for Alnmaritec Ltd we can now access the site to begin early preparations for its return to the council in the next few weeks.

“When the land does come back to the council, the priority will be to ensure the site is made safe and then to re-open the river footpath.

“This may require a temporary diversion to allow travel along the riverbank between Rowhedge and the Hythe once more.

“It is possible the repair plans may now change considering the change of circumstance with the site. This is now under review, and the council will provide an update when this work is complete.”

The news will come as a welcome relief to keen cyclist Mark Jeffries, of Parr Drive, Lexden, who says he cycles to Rowhedge up to three times a week.

The 59-year-old said: “I used to use the footpath but now have to use the nasty hill in Whitehall Industrial Estate, which makes things a lot harder.

“It’s a pain as it puts me out another two miles and into a busy road where cars don’t have any time for you.”

Mr Jeffries added he wants to see the full potential of the site once again enjoyed by all.

He said: “It’s a shame it looks how it does at the moment because it is such a beautiful spot and is used by cyclists, dog walkers and bird watchers. “It would be brilliant if it was repaired, not just for me but for lots of people.”