ENGINEERS are arranging for piles of sacks and sandbags to be craned into Middle Mill Weir to try and prevent any further erosion of the water wheel.

Half of the weir, which is in Colchester Castle Park, fell into the River Colne on Sunday morning, causing the council to close the footbridge as a precaution.

A diversion was also put in place for cyclists and pedestrians whilst the weir, which was only repaired last year, is inspected.

Now, civil engineering contractors and representatives from Essex Highways and Colchester Council have met to find a way forward and put together a short-term plan which will prevent further erosion of the structure which holds the water wheel.

Gazette: Problem – the crane will be brought in next week to prevent further erosion of the structureProblem – the crane will be brought in next week to prevent further erosion of the structure (Image: Newsquest)

According to Colchester Council, the proposed short-term solution will involve craning in one-tonne sacks, placed around the remaining weir structure, to slow down any additional erosion that could compromise the integrity of the footbridge; behind this, sandbags will be used for backfilling.

Contractors are currently working on arranging for a crane to carry out the task, with provisional plans set for Tuesday, December 19, for material preparation; the craning in of the sandbags and sacks is planned to take place the following day.

As a result, parking will be suspended at Middle Mill Weir from 6am on Monday, December 18 to 6pm on Friday, December 22.

Gazette: Diversion – the bridge is heavily used by cyclists and pedestrians who go through Castle ParkDiversion – the bridge is heavily used by cyclists and pedestrians who go through Castle Park (Image: Newsquest)

It is understood that while the weir is the responsibility of Colchester Council, the footbridge is maintained by Essex County Council, and the latter is expected to await a period of drier weather to allow water levels to subside before they can assess which parts of the bridge can be salvaged.

Colchester Council has said it will put together a longer-term plan which takes the environmental health of the river into account.

The council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and waste, Martin Goss, said: “While we address the immediate challenges at Middle Mill Weir, our commitment is rooted in ensuring the safety of our community and preserving our environment.”