Colchester Castle Park grass in bad state after Oktoberfest

Questions have been raised as to whether the ground of Lower Castle Park will be in a fit state to host events booked to be held there during the spring and summer months.

Recent photographs show the condition of the ground, which has been made worse by bad weather.

Site - Lower Castle Park is due to host various events this year (Image: Public)

The grass was churned up after heavy vehicles were on site for Oktoberfest last year. 

Event organisers apologised for the damage and worked with Colchester Events and the city council arrange for repairs the land.

But so far only one day of remedial work has taken place due to the weather. 

Concerned - Sir Bob Russell (Image: Newsquest)

Sir Bob said: “I have lived near Castle Park for more than 50 years.

“This is by far the worst condition I have ever known it.

“In the past, when the turf was damaged, but never to such an extent as it was last autumn, the ground quickly recovered with grass seed planted sometimes to assist with the recovery.

“The first event is only a couple of months away. And the Royal Gun salute to mark the King’s Birthday is in mid-June.

“I am told a total of 31 days have been booked for events on Lower Castle Park this spring and summer.

“As the ground is at the moment, I do not see how the earlier ones can take place.”

Worried - city centre councillor Mark Goacher (Image: Newsquest)

City centre councillor Mark Goacher previously expressed his concerns for the grass, and even suggested moving Oktoberfest away from the site.

He said: “I’m very worried about it. It’s really muddy and was never put right after Oktoberfest.

“There has been constant rain, so any big events now are likely to churn up even more mud.

“So, the key thing is to wait and to ensure that it is put right after events.”

Council "optimistic" repairs will be completed in time

Colchester Council has said the remedial work at the site has been stunted by the wet weather over the winter period, however, added it remains optimistic repairs will be completed within required timescales.

A spokesman said: “We understand the concerns raised about the condition of Lower Castle Park and its suitability for upcoming spring and summer events.

“We want to assure residents that we are actively working to address the situation. Remediation work was procured months ago.

“However, the extremely wet winter has only allowed for one day where the field was dry enough to begin works.

“While the weather remains unpredictable, we are optimistic.

“With drier and more seasonal conditions, we expect our contractor to complete the repairs within the required timescales and facilitate the ground's recovery by mid-June, potentially sooner.”

On the chance the weather issue continues, the council said it does have “contingency plans”.

“The Colchester Events team is closely monitoring the situation and has contingency plans in place,” the council spokesman added.

“We are committed to ensuring Lower Castle Park remains a vibrant venue for all scheduled events.”