NEW investment is set to improve the look and feel of Colchester city centre.
Colchester Council's cabinet has approved new funding to support street cleaning, community safety and environmental enforcement in a bid to boost business confidence and attract more visitors.
The plans include a new pavement sweeper, two pavement scrubbers, more frontline staff and increased licensing capacity.
Public safety will also be enhanced through body-worn cameras for city centre wardens.
Councillor Paul Dundas, leader of Colchester Council, said: "Today's decision demonstrates our commitment to investing in a city centre that residents can be proud of and businesses can have confidence in.
"We know businesses continue to face challenges, but we are determined to do everything within our powers to support them, encourage investment and create a welcoming environment where people want to spend time.
"Clean streets, attractive public spaces and visible frontline services all play an important role in the success of the city centre.
"This investment builds on the positive progress already taking place across Colchester and is another step towards making our city centre an even better place to live, work, visit and invest."
The funding will support street cleansing, bin emptying, gum removal, environmental enforcement and community safety patrols.
It will also help the council take full advantage of new regulatory powers.
Colchester is already seeing growing visitor numbers and business investment.
Lion Walk recorded 10 million visitors for the first time in 2025.
Recent arrivals include Pret, Skechers, and Søstrene Grene.
The council is working with Essex Police to address anti-social behaviour and maintain a safe environment.
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Inspector Martin Willsher of the Colchester Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "By working closely with Colchester Council and our other partners, we are taking a coordinated approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, ensuring the city centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone to live, work and visit."
Councillor David King, deputy leader of Colchester Council, said: "This is a practical investment that will make a visible difference on the ground.
"The additional equipment, new staff and enhanced support for our wardens will strengthen our ability to keep the city centre clean, welcoming and safe while supporting residents, visitors and local businesses."
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