THE renaissance of Colchester should be a positive debate.

Ideas from our citizens about 21st century Colchester’s rebirth could be fashioned by those who can provide its economy and those who use it.

How can we afford the changes we require?

Our taxes and that includes the profitability of local businesses, should provide for our communal infrastructure to maintain access, security and prosperity.

So far, the Belgian, Dutch and German use of manylane highways with wide, often naturally-lit subways for pedestrians and cycles, including a series of underground car parks has been suggested.

Are there any other ideas?

Colchester’s growing population has benefitted from the town centre in the past.

Can we find the momentum among our citizens to run new businesses, to build on the entrepreneurial and engineering skills of our forebears?

Out-dated ideas such as “more roads equals more cars” ignores the phenomena of “people”.

The reality is that “more people equal more roads equal more cars equal more people putting money into Colchester’s economy”.

Pollution-free vehicles are the future.

We should plan to build for them and their capabilities.

To continue “making do” with our roadways is not good enough for the 21st century.

To turn our town centre into a series of playgrounds while reducing access for customers to businesses is not good enough.

Inspiration, ideas, energy and will are needed at every level or we risk plunging our town into the Dark Ages once again.

Being a Roman town with a Norman castle and little gems of history hidden in its streets needs a buoyant town economy. What shall we do about it?

Annesley Hardy

The Avenue, Colchester