WITH the impending loss of Marks and Spencer from Colchester High Street, we asked readers what attractions they would like to see return to the borough.

Among hundreds of comments, readers lamented the loss of popular shops, pubs and events.

Here is a run down of some of the popular requests.

Jacks

Gazette: An older picture of Jacks hardware storeAn older picture of Jacks hardware store

Many readers mentioned Jacks, the former hardware store, in St Nicholas Street, Colchester.

Jacks Famous Supplies was opened in 1960 and was been a popular shop for many years. It sold a combination on household goods, camping supplies, hardware, tools, clothes and shoes, plus work wear.

In August 2019 the remains of what would have been a large Roman bath house were unearthed under the store.

Stevan Slodzik said: “Jacks! A place where you could buy stuff you didn’t even need.”

Colchester’s Military Tattoo

Gazette: The tattoo was once a staple in the Colchester calendarThe tattoo was once a staple in the Colchester calendar

Colchester military tattoo was once a staple part of the town’s social calendar.

The eagerly-awaited festival ran for 30 years until being dropped because of Government spending cuts in 1990.

Although the show later made a short revival, it was in its heyday that thousands of people lined the streets to watch our armed forces parade through town.

The tattoo was held every year and became bigger than similar events in Edinburgh (the only survivor), Cardiff and the Royal Tournament in London.

Many readers wished to see the return of this popular event.

A (proper) bus station

Gazette: The current bus station in Osborne Street, pictured in 2013The current bus station in Osborne Street, pictured in 2013

Debate has raged since the start of the millennium over Colchester bus station’s location since it was first suggested the former site, in Queen Street, should no longer host it.

The Save Our Bus Station campaign was launched in October 2004 and more than 20,000 people signed a petition against plans to move the station from Queen Street in 2005.

However, in November 2012, the Osborne Street bus station opened – some question whether it really can be called a bus station.

One reader said: “Even the coaches don't want to use the layby bus station.”

Colchester outdoor swimming pool

Gazette: Colchester's open air poolColchester's open air pool

For many years, Colchester boasted an outdoor pool, or lido, at Colne Bank Avenue.

It was situated under the bridge, where there was also a cafe, on the site currently occupied by Hercules Gym.

Jacqueline Wilkinson said: “The outdoor swimming pool holds lots of memories for me, some good, some funny and some quite scary!”

The Cups Hotel

Gazette: Boards - the boarded up Cups HotelBoards - the boarded up Cups Hotel

Lots of readers mentioned the loss of the former Cups Pub, in Trinity Street.

The only sign of the former Three Cups Hotel left in Colchester is just that - a hanging sign, which has been fixed on the former Cups Pub in Trinity Street, now Fat Face, since the 1970s.

It features three golden cups, which according to historian, Andrew Phillips, is thought to represent the traditional toast for very important guests.

The hotel, which was next to the Town Hall, was known as the Cups from the early 1700s, but the hotel was previously known as something completely different.

Mr Phillips said: "It was in fact earlier known as the New White Hart.

"On the other side of the road was the White Hart - Bank Passage was the entrance."

With its magnificent Victorian facade, the hotel featured Regency assembly rooms, and its most famous guests included the likes of the Duke of Wellington, Louis XVIII of France, the Prince Regent and Admiral Lord Nelson.

The hotel opened in 1701 and was rebuilt in 1886.

Its Georgian dining room, which featured gilded columns and a minstrels’ gallery, was often described as Colchester’s most elegant room.

Mr Phillips said: "It was the top inn in town - it wasn't a pub.

"There will still be people alive now that will remember what it was like."

The site had been home to an inn since the Elizabethan times but in 1968, a piece of Colchester's history came to an abrupt end.

The hotel closed in 1965 and Colchester Council was accused of pressing ahead hastily with its demolition before the Minister of Works could approve a preservation order.

In 1968, the building was ripped down and an office block, which still stands today, was built in its place.