Colchester Borough Council has approved plans to repair a section of sheet piled river wall at Fieldgate Quay, where the piling has started to come away from the bank next to the Hythe to Rowhedge footpath.

The council is working with contractors to confirm a start date for the repair work and aim to start on site by autumn.

Dan Gascoyne, Colchester Borough Council Chief Operating Officer, said: "The repair to Fieldgate Quay is a high priority for the council.

"Engineers are visiting the site weekly to do visual checks to monitor the damage to Fieldgate Quay river wall, and I can reassure residents that there has been no further movement in the damaged sheet pile wall or riverbank since December.

-- Advertisement --

"I can confirm that repair plans to replace the sheet piling in that section of the river have been agreed. Due to the complex nature of these works and the various statutory permissions needed, contractors are unlikely to start re-piling on site until autumn."

As the River Colne is internationally important for wildlife, the council is in consultation with several statutory organisations. An environmental consultant is involved in the planning of these works to minimise the impact to the surrounding biodiversity.

Council officers are also working closely with CTruk Marine Services, whose business is on the land next to the section of affected riverbank, to ensure site safety with the day-to-day running of their operations.