FEARS have been raised that county council bosses are “washing their hands” of ensuring repairs are made to a historic weir which collapsed into a river.
Brickwork from the Middle Mill Weir at Castle Park in Colchester fell into the River Colne last month, resulting in the ongoing closure of a nearby footbridge as a safety precaution.
City centre councillor Steph Nissen has raised concerns about the diversion route introduced while the busy bridge is out of action, deeming it “neither accessible nor really suitable”.
“[The bridge] is not only a pathway with heavy footfall, it’s also a key access route for school children, city centre employees, dog walkers, and beloved by many members of my community,” she said.
Essex County Council is responsible for the bridge.
But an email seen by the Gazette and sent from highways boss, Tom Cunningham, in response to a query about both the weir and the bridge says “maintenance matters are the responsibility of the park owner, which is the city council”.
He wrote: “Emergency responses are unfortunately not part of the county council’s remit as the lead local flood authority.”
He explained the Environment Agency is supporting Colchester Council and is “satisfied there is no increased flood risk or risk to wildlife after an inspection”.
“The Environment Agency will continue to handle duties related to the main river,” he added.
Council 'committed to finding a solution'
Colchester Council says it understands the concern many residents have about the weir’s collapse.
A spokesman said: “Our immediate focus is on ensuring safety and minimising environmental impact.
“We’re working closely with structural engineers and other experts to understand the extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive plan.”
He added the council is “committed to finding a solution that works for the community”.
Essex County Council was invited to comment.
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