Colchester St Mary's car park barriers to stop bad behaviour

St Mary’s car park, which has 577 spaces and has been a crucial amenity since it was built in the 1970s, has suffered from antisocial behaviour problems for years and many residents have said the removal of security barriers in 2016 has been to blame.

The Gazette understands barriers are set to return after a seven-year absence in what has been seen as a victory for campaigners, who say their lives have been made a misery by racers revving their engines at all hours of the night.

Colchester Council announced last month the car park will be closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, with council leader David King vowing to “nail this and nail this now”.

Relieved – Emma Dell is hoping the new measures will end anti-social behaviour at the car park for good (Image: Essex Police)

It is understood the new barriers will replace the current heras fencing before the end of November and will be closed and opened at weekends.

Emma Dell, the secretary of the St Mary’s Residents Association (SMRA), said it was a victory for those who had challenged the perpetrators of the anti-social behaviour.

She said: “Some people have gone out at 2am or 4am to take images of what has been going on; it’s the bravery of the residents saying, ‘no, this is not acceptable’.”

Mrs Dell added it would also mean residents living nearby will finally be able to get a good night’s sleep following years of noise on Friday and Saturday nights.

Blighted – the anti-social behaviour has become a particular problem since automatic security barriers were removed in 2016 (Image: Essex Police)

“It’s overwhelming – think about the seven years of people having disturbed sleep, having to go to bed on a Friday night, and not knowing how much sleep they are going to get.

“There are people down Crowhurst Road who have been on sleeping meds, aren’t in a position to get other accommodation, and have been feeling vulnerable knowing their nights are going to be disturbed.

“There are people who have not been able to use their own garden, that’s what we mean when we talk about a loss of amenity.

“Hopefully this will resolve it.”

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “We can confirm that a new barrier is due to be installed at St Mary's car park in the coming weeks.

"However, the barrier will not be automated and will still be closed/opened manually at weekends for the foreseeable future.

“The council has taken this decision in response to concerns from residents about antisocial behaviour in the car park. The new barrier will help to improve security and deter crime.

“We are committed to working with the SMRA and other residents and businesses to ensure that St Mary's car park is a safe and secure place for everyone.”