Cameron Poole

Colchester’s boating lake in Lower Castle Park has remained closed since Middle Mill Weir collapsed and cut off its water supply. During the Colchester Castle Summer Series, the fenced-off lake area is being used to store event equipment, prompting criticism from Councillor Lee Scordis and Town Crier Rennie Chivers. Colchester Council says the area will be cleared after the event and is assessing options for restoration, but warns that any viable solution must address water supply, structural repairs, maintenance, environmental effects and cost.

Billy Ocean opened the second Colchester Castle Summer Series at Lower Castle Park, with support from The Lamplight Club, DJ Katie Owen and Marti Pellow. The performance received a five-star review from Gazette reporter Jonathan Waldron. Upcoming acts include Hollywood Vampires, Becky Hill, Bastille, Richard Ashcroft, JLS and Fatboy Slim, with promoters Cuffe & Taylor and Supermodified overseeing the event and Black Cactus Studio arranging local support.

Peldon Hall Farms Ltd has appealed Colchester Council’s rejection of plans for a three-court padel facility at Kemps Farm in Peldon. The council cited the proposed building’s scale and visual impact, as well as inadequate flood-risk information and limited walking and cycling infrastructure. The company argues that the agricultural-style building, landscaping and flood mitigation would reduce its impact while supporting farm diversification, rural employment, year-round recreation and the local economy. The Planning Inspectorate has yet to decide the appeal.

The vacant former Marks & Spencer building on Colchester High Street is being redeveloped by City and Country into Minerva House in a project valued at about £2 million. The scheme is expected to include shops, restaurants, workspaces and possible event, residential and rooftop-bar facilities. A Popeyes unit is being fitted out, while Cosmo Restaurants and Umami are expected to open before Christmas, and Superdrug is considering a relocation. Extensive asbestos removal and stripping-out work has been carried out, with the developer describing the complex transformation as a “jigsaw puzzle.”

A 203-home redevelopment of the former Army Base Repair Organisation site off Flagstaff Road in Colchester is expected to be completed by May 2029. Vistry Group will deliver 122 private-rental and 15 affordable-rental homes, while Countryside Homes will build 66 private-sale homes, with 137 homes expected by early 2028. The scheme follows a successful planning appeal after Colchester Council initially rejected it over concerns about the Garrison Conservation Area. The Roman Circus remains outside the housing footprint and will be protected through landscaped public space, a buffer zone and a new footpath; two listed buildings and the Folly Wall will also be retained.

A six-year-old girl died and another child was injured in a collision involving a lorry and a car on the northbound A12 near Colchester’s JobServe Community Stadium. Essex Police said the lorry driver passed roadside tests, no arrests were made, and the driver will be interviewed as the serious collision investigation continues. Colchester Council leaders Paul Dundas and David King offered condolences, while Dundas called for government prioritisation of safety and capacity upgrades on the heavily congested A12. The road was closed in both directions before National Highways reopened it later that day.

Rumours suggested that Lloyds Bank might leave its historic High Street premises in Colchester for a unit in Lion Walk Shopping Centre, but the bank indicated that it has no current plans to move. The speculation follows Barclays’ confirmed relocation to the former Monsoon and Accessorize units, while Superdrug is also reportedly considering a move into Lion Walk. Local High Steward Sir Bob Russell warned that further departures could leave four prominent city-centre premises vacant, although he said Colchester was performing relatively well in terms of trading businesses and footfall.

Plans to redevelop Colchester’s Culver Square Shopping Centre have been approved, allowing the fountain and Sea Holly sculpture to be removed and the square to be resurfaced as a flexible events space. The redesigned area will support markets, outdoor screenings, theatre, music and fairground rides, with new lighting, movable seating and planters. The sculpture is proposed to move to The Minories garden, subject to further approval ensuring its public display. A covered real ice rink operated by Ice Caledonia is planned for November 14 through January 10, 2027, with public skating, group bookings, school visits and lessons. Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher supports the redevelopment but suggested relocating the sculpture near Jumbo instead.

Colchester councillor Tim Young has called for the access road from Colchester United’s JobServe Community Stadium to Boxted Road to be opened for about an hour after matches to reduce severe congestion. Club owner Robbie Cowling and supporters have also criticized the current arrangements. Colchester Council said it is willing to work with the club on an updated travel strategy, but any change to existing traffic-management requirements would require formal planning approval and supporting evidence.

The former Marks & Spencer building on Colchester High Street is being transformed into Minerva House by developers City & Country in a project reportedly worth £2 million. Planned facilities include shops, restaurants, workspaces, a rooftop bar and function space. After M&S relocated to Stane Retail Park in September 2022, the building remained unused while crews removed asbestos, modern fittings, walls and plaster. Restoration work has also revealed potentially 1930s tiles, although the redevelopment still has a long way to go.

City and Country is converting Colchester’s former M&S department store into Minerva House, with work including stripping out the building and removing asbestos. A Popeyes unit is being fitted out, while a Cosmo Restaurants buffet and an Umami venue are planned, and Superdrug may relocate into the development. The upper floors could accommodate offices, a bar, a function venue or residential flats, while the developer is assessing whether a rooftop bar is viable.

Mersea Island Medical Practice was rated good in all areas following a Care Quality Commission inspection at its Kingsland Road site. The report praised the practice’s safety and learning culture, clean and well-maintained facilities, safe medicines management, patient involvement in care, appointment access and online booking system. It also highlighted effective test-result handling, referrals, repeat prescriptions and coordination with other healthcare providers. The practice serves about 7,150 patients under an NHS England contract, while its Barfield Road branch is undergoing building work.

Archive photographs and historical details trace the development of Colchester’s Culver Square from construction in the mid-1980s to its completion around 1988 and subsequent changes. The shopping centre was initially associated with retailers including C&A and the Lighthouse Restaurant, while Debenhams remained one of the original stores until closing in 2021. Famous visitors included Sir Bobby Charlton and Roy Castle.

A four-bedroom detached bungalow called Threshfield in Ardleigh, near Colchester, is listed by Beresfords for offers over £1 million. Set on 0.59 acres, it features three reception areas, a modern kitchen, air-conditioned bedrooms, multiple en-suites, extensive gardens, a pond, summerhouse, pergola, double cart lodge and storage. The property is close to Ardleigh's amenities, Dedham, Colchester, rail connections and the A12.

Tickets remain available for Nish Kumar’s Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy comedy tour at Charter Hall in Colchester on October 8. Kumar is known for appearances on The Mash Report, Taskmaster, Live At The Apollo, QI and Have I Got News For You. Tickets cost £26.50 plus a booking fee.

The Colchester School Garden Competition has returned for its fifth year, with schools creating FIFA World Cup-themed gardens for display in Culver Square. The competition, founded by children's gardening coach Lee Connelly, promotes creativity, confidence, teamwork and connections with nature. Visitors can vote for the People's Choice Award until September 1, while the Royal Horticultural Society, schools, partners and volunteers support the event. More than 500 votes were cast in the first two days, and Colchester mayor Andrews Ellis attended the awards ceremony.

The Colchester Castle Summer Series will return to Lower Castle Park from August 20 to 29, with headliners including Billy Ocean, Hollywood Vampires, Becky Hill, Bastille, Richard Ashcroft, JLS and Fatboy Slim. Local acts The Lamplight Club, She's In Parties, Peonie, Jeanie From The Mountains and Grace Calver have been announced as support performers. The artists describe the opportunity as surreal and an honour, while organizer AJ Jones says the event gives local musicians a chance to perform alongside international names.

Comedian and artist Phill Jupitus discussed his exhibition What we did in the Plague: An International Covid-19 project at The Minories in Colchester. The show features photographs of 100 collage postcards he created and sent to friends during the 2020 pandemic. Jupitus praised visitors' enthusiasm and emphasized collage as an accessible way to reinterpret discarded materials. Gallery director Emma Howe highlighted his openness about the creative process. An accompanying open collage exhibition received more than 400 entries, with works sold to benefit The Minories charity and Colchester Unite Against Racism; workshops and artist events were also scheduled.

A life-size bronze statue of an airborne soldier was unveiled in Colchester to commemorate 25 years of the 16 Air Assault Brigade in the town. The £200,000 project was funded through community, veteran and military-association networks and led by Major Curt Vines. Brigade commander Brigadier Ed Cartwright and Colchester Mayor Andrew Ellis praised the statue as a symbol of the longstanding partnership between the garrison and local residents.

Trotters Bar in Middleborough, Colchester, has changed ownership after Mark Kennedy and his brother Andrew ran the business since December 2008. The sale was completed the previous week, with Emma Hockney, a staff member who has worked at the bar for 15 years, taking over. Kennedy said the business remains profitable and successful despite difficult conditions for pubs, bars and restaurants. The venue will continue to offer private-event hire on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ninety-two spaces at Colchester’s council-owned Britannia Car Park, temporarily closed for archaeological investigations linked to the St Botolph’s Quarter redevelopment, will reopen on Wednesday 12 August, about four weeks earlier than expected. Signs stating that the spaces would remain closed until 16 October were issued in error and reflected an earlier contractor estimate. The wider project includes a £7 million facelift for St Botolph’s Priory, new public spaces, cycling facilities, pedestrian routes and other improvements, with completion expected by the end of 2027.

Colchester Council approved Zagan Holdings’ application to convert the existing first floor and loft space at 33–35 Long Wyre Street into holiday accommodation. The company’s earlier proposal for a rear single-storey unit had been refused over inadequate outlook and light, and its appeal was dismissed. The approved scheme must be used solely for holiday lets, with stays limited to 28 consecutive days in any 90-day period, and cycle-storage details must be agreed before use.

Martyn Warnes has called for all 51 Colchester councillors to receive a full written briefing on financial and governance concerns surrounding the multi-million-pound Heart of Greenstead regeneration project. The concerns follow a council governance report and the decision not to produce a full masterplan, while council portfolio holder David King rejects claims that the scheme lacked scrutiny, citing oversight by council committees, the Town Deal Board and a cross-party panel. Funded partly through an £18.2 million government allocation, including £6 million for Greenstead, the project includes community-facility changes, a GP surgery extension, public-space improvements and free bikes, with the council saying it is already delivering benefits.

Best Days Vintage, an independent retro clothing and community shop in Colchester, has launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking £5,000 to cover repairs, upgrades, stock replenishment and support the signing of a new lease. Co-owners Jez Dixon and Steve Hurdle say rising costs and depleted finances have made operating difficult despite having no outstanding debts. The shop has raised £2,223 so far, and the owners hope to relaunch in the autumn while expanding its café and community-focused role.

Colchester Council’s zone team, volunteers and Berechurch Ward Councillor Dave Harris carried out a cleanup of the Monkwick estate on July 23. The work at the School Road play area included removing graffiti, repainting a climbing wall and youth shelter, street sweeping and litter picking. Harris praised the council team and volunteers for significantly improving the area.

Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling said Colchester Council could do more to support the football club and does not fully appreciate the wider social and economic benefits it brings to the city. He acknowledged the council’s role in building and owning the JobServe Community Stadium, but argued that greater support could help the club and improve matchday access, including opening a gate onto Boxted Road to ease congestion. The council emphasized its longstanding support for Colchester United and its community foundation while noting that it must balance competing priorities and use public resources responsibly.

The Grade II-listed Heckford Angel pub on Maldon Road in Colchester has been vacant and deteriorating for several years despite multiple unsuccessful redevelopment plans. Earlier proposals included a 100-seat restaurant, followed by an approved scheme for a 50-seat restaurant and 12-room bed and breakfast. The current owners have applied to convert the ground floor into offices for their own business and open a café in the rear barn, while retaining approved plans for accommodation and additional rooms. They say no pub operator could be found and that renovation must proceed before the building deteriorates further. Colchester Council has not yet decided the application.

Community donations and reduced operational costs have secured the continuation of Relay for Life Colchester 2026 after initial fears of cancellation. Chairwoman and cancer survivor Shirley Buckmaster confirmed £2,600 has been raised toward expenses, supported by discounted services and £1,100 in direct donations. To manage remaining shortfalls, the traditional survivors’ lunch has been replaced with donated afternoon tea. Organizers urged further public and business support to help meet costs and maximize fundraising for Cancer Research UK ahead of the event scheduled for August 1 at Colchester Garrison athletic track.

A multimillion‑pound project to restore Colchester’s historic Holy Trinity Church and convert it into a community hub is projected to open in April 2028. Costs have risen to £4.3 million, supported largely by external funding including a pending National Lottery Heritage Fund application. Financial forecasts show a modest operating surplus through 2036, supported by income from events, tenants, donations and workspace rentals. The project aims to secure the building’s long‑term viability while increasing public access and cultural offerings. The churchyard restoration led by Bakers of Danbury is underway, though the start date for the main church works remains unconfirmed.

Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling urges the opening of a closed gate onto Boxted Road to ease severe congestion after matches at the JobServe Community Stadium. He says discussions with local authorities have yielded no progress despite assurances, while MP Pam Cox expresses support for addressing the issue. Colchester Council cites a long-standing planning condition governing the gate and says any change requires a full planning process with traffic assessments. The council and club remain in discussions over potential solutions.

A family in Colchester reported their distinctive orange Ford Mustang stolen from their driveway overnight, prompting them to offer a cash reward for its safe return. Essex Police gathered evidence including cloths possibly used to muffle the engine. The theft upset the couple and their daughter, who had planned a trip in the vehicle. Community support has been strong, and a fundraising page has been set up to contribute to the reward, which will go to charity if the car is recovered independently.

Residents in Colchester staged major protests in 1990 against the poll tax, which charged adults a flat rate regardless of property value. Demonstrations led by local groups, including the Socialist Workers Party, escalated into clashes with police during March and May. The tax, introduced by the Conservative government and first proposed by Margaret Thatcher, was widely viewed as unfair to poorer residents. Continued opposition contributed to its replacement by the council tax in 1993.

A tribunal will resume in November to decide whether Dr Carlos Aparicio Knorr’s fitness to practise is impaired after findings that he disclosed confidential information, attempted to influence a colleague’s account, and intimidated a staff member during a prior internal investigation.

The third Sawan Mela at Stanway Community Centre raised about £1,000 for the R K Roy Hockey Academy in Bihar and the Unnati Charitable Trust while promoting cultural diversity, women entrepreneurs and youth performances. Organised by the Asian Community Group UK, the event featured food, music and stage acts and drew support from local officials including Colchester MP Pam Cox and the city’s mayor. Organisers expressed gratitude to volunteers, stallholders and families for helping make the community celebration successful.

A proposal to redevelop several 1970s office buildings in Colchester into 340 co-living units has drawn sharp criticism from High Steward Sir Bob Russell, who described the plan as an unacceptable overdevelopment resembling a modern-day housing ghetto. The project, led by Colchester Riverside LTD and delivered by developer Elder, includes new multi‑storey residential buildings, co‑living amenities, and converted private‑rental flats. Russell argued the design is out of keeping with nearby Victorian housing, raises safety and access concerns for large service vehicles, and encroaches too closely on existing homes. He urged the council to reject the application and seek a development similar to the nearby Parkside Quarter. Neither the council nor the developer commented.

A selection of upcoming cultural events in Colchester includes DJ Pogo’s return to the UK for a Roots & Grooves club night, Colchester United’s annual Open Day, Matt Hobs’ comedy show at Colchester Arts Centre, the Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender across multiple venues, and Firstsite’s new Duncan Grant exhibition exploring LGBTQ+ themes.

Units at Boxted Park, a new 23‑unit business development in Boxted near Colchester, have been listed by Fenn Wright on Rightmove. The project, approved in 2023 despite local objections, offers freehold and leasehold options with unit sizes from 955 to 1,992 square feet. Marketing materials highlight sustainable design and landscaped surroundings, with features including superfast broadband, AC, double‑glazed windows, kitchenettes and three‑phase power.

Demolition has begun at the former ABRO site in Colchester, where 203 homes are planned following a successful developer appeal overturning the council’s earlier refusal. Concerns about the site’s location within the Garrison Conservation Area and its inclusion of part of the historic Roman Circus were raised by local officials, heritage advocates, and MP Pam Cox, but the planning inspector ruled the development would cause only minimal harm. The Ministry of Defence previously sold the long-vacant site, and the project includes affordable housing and funding to display archaeological finds. The council had withdrawn its main objection after discussions with the developer, reducing its expected inquiry costs.

Construction work on the Colchester Station car park has been delayed again, with the project now split into two phases extending completion into early 2027. The upgraded facilities will include additional accessible parking, new pedestrian routes, improved lighting and CCTV, and a new lift. Councillor Venessa Moffat welcomed the revised schedule while urging timely delivery. Greater Anglia stated the work is essential and apologised for disruption as design and preliminary upgrade work continues.

Police discovered 28 cannabis plants and growing equipment in a Hythe Hill property in Colchester after attending for an unrelated matter. A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of cultivation. Local councillors and neighbours described ongoing drug activity in the area and welcomed the police response. All plants were seized and sent for destruction.

Plans have been submitted by Hill House Developments Ltd to build 25 homes, a flexible community or commercial building, and an 85-bed care home on a brownfield site off Brook Street. The proposal includes a mix of three- and four-bedroom houses with private outdoor space and various parking arrangements. A planning statement highlights connectivity and integration with surrounding areas, while the care home would include 26 parking spaces and dedicated access. Councillor Amy Kirkby-Taylor raised concerns about potential low-quality housing and increased congestion but welcomed redevelopment and investment in the area. A final decision on the application is pending.

A break-in at Stanway Rovers Football Club resulted in stolen cash and charity donations, prompting security firm Secure CCTV & Alarms to donate a new CCTV system after the previous one was damaged. The firm highlighted the importance of protecting community clubs, while the club prepares a charity event to help replace damaged doors and support Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and Prostate Cancer UK.

A historic former church in Dedham operating as the Dedham Art and Craft Centre has been listed for sale with a guide price of £850,000. The three‑floor retail space hosts more than 55 artists and retailers and attracts over 85,000 annual visitors, generating significant rental income. The sale requires continuity of employment for staff. The building had previously been listed at a higher price, and a café business within the centre recently entered voluntary liquidation. A local resident expressed hope that new owners will preserve the site's character.

Community interest company New Town Roots has revived the former Old Heath Recreation Ground café in Colchester, now operating as the Hollyhock Café, following strong community support. Volunteers, local organisations and residents have contributed furniture, labour and ongoing assistance, helping the café reopen with new décor and a locally sourced menu. Visitors have responded positively to the improvements, and events such as a men’s mental‑health evening are planned. The organisation aims to expand the space further with ideas including a community supermarket, events area and training opportunities.

Two major Colchester retailers, Barclays and Superdrug, are preparing to relocate from their longstanding High Street locations to new units in Culver Walk as part of wider redevelopment projects in the city centre. Barclays’ branch, in place since the 1890s, will move into the former Monsoon and Accessorize units, while Superdrug plans to shift from High Street to units within the Minerva House redevelopment. Both companies have declined to comment on timelines, and it remains unclear what will happen to the vacated units.

A councillor urges Colchester City Council to support the UK government’s High Street Rental Auctions scheme to address long-term vacant retail units, arguing it could revitalise the city centre and encourage new businesses. Several major retailers have recently closed or relocated, leaving key units empty, while the council’s economic growth lead contends that auctions offer only a limited solution and that broader investment and changing high street patterns are shaping outcomes. The debate highlights differing views on how best to stimulate growth and reduce vacancies in Colchester’s city centre.

Residents and civic groups object to Colchester Riverside LTD’s proposal to demolish and redevelop several 1970s office blocks into a large co‑living and residential complex, citing excessive height, density and negative effects on the conservation area. Councillors have called for the plans to be reviewed by the Planning Committee, while critics argue the scale surpasses what local infrastructure can support and fails to deliver affordable housing despite earlier, smaller proposals for the site.

Plans to redevelop three office buildings in Colchester propose creating 340 co-living units with shared facilities including workspaces, lounges, fitness areas and communal kitchens. The scheme targets young adults seeking flexible, all‑inclusive rental options and highlights co-living as an expanding housing model in the UK. Existing commercial units would remain in place, and Colchester Council has yet to issue a decision on the application.

A new branch of The Real Pizza Company is set to open in Colchester at the former Finaa Indian restaurant site near St Botolph's Circus. The company, which operates 11 UK locations, promotes its stone baked pizzas and focus on quality and value. An opening date has not yet been confirmed, and the Gazette is seeking further details.

A refurbishment project at Colchester’s former Holy Trinity Church has sparked criticism from Sir Bob Russell, who argues the work has destroyed a longstanding wildlife area and may lead to antisocial behaviour once opened. The council defends the scheme, stating the concerns are based on temporary construction conditions and emphasising that the restored churchyard will be locked at night and offer improved community access. The initiative, funded through government regeneration support, aims to revive the neglected site with new amenities and controlled public use.

Residents in Eight Ash Green criticised Royal Mail after a local postbox on Wood Lane remained taped off and unusable for months while awaiting an upgrade. Locals expressed frustration, citing inconvenience for elderly residents and inconsistent postal services. A Royal Mail spokesperson said the issue is under investigation and directed residents to alternative nearby postboxes and services.

A recently reopened riverside walkway between the Hythe and Rowhedge has been criticised by councillor Lee Scordis, who says parts are overgrown, inaccessible and unsafe despite the completion of major restoration works at Fieldgate Quay. The council says repairs were substantial, the route has been reinstated, and vegetation along adjoining sections will be cleared soon. Efforts to improve accessibility along the wider path are expected to continue.

Readers react strongly to Barclays’ decision to relocate its long-standing Colchester High Street branch to Shewell Walk, with many expressing concerns about the decline of the high street, high business rates, and loss of historic identity. Some highlight broader issues such as online shopping and local tax burdens, while Colchester BID offers a more optimistic perspective, citing healthy vacancy rates and confidence in the city centre’s future.

The first phase of redevelopment at the historic former Cavalry Barracks site in Colchester has finished, with ten new homes going on sale, including terraced houses and bungalows. Developer Gus Newell emphasises the preservation of the site’s historic character, while strong public interest has already been reported. Harris and Wood will manage sales for the project, with future phases set to deliver additional flats and conversions of former military buildings.

Colchester’s Dragonfly Lounge has raised £1,722 through a GoFundMe campaign to help manage rising operational costs that have constrained its ability to host community-focused events. Co-founder Jo Palmer-Tweed says the venue remains stable but needs additional support due to increased rates, labour expenses and reduced consumer spending. She calls for government action on restoring hospitality rates relief and reconsidering VAT increases. The drag club continues to expand its offerings with free workshops, collaborations with local charities and plans to launch a Frazzled Café supporting mental health.

A resident of Layer de la Haye criticised Colchester Council for repeated cancellations of paid garden waste collections, citing safety concerns and inconsistent service after extreme heat led to suspended operations. The council defended the temporary halt as necessary to protect crews, noting that some delays were caused by new route changes and stressing that missed collections would be addressed. The authority encouraged affected residents to report ongoing issues for investigation.

A dispute has emerged over a Yeep! parcel locker installed near Colchester Train Station after Colchester Council ruled it constituted development requiring planning permission. Eris Media Solutions has appealed, arguing the wheeled locker is movable, involved no construction, and has not become part of the land. The council maintains it is a small building rather than a temporary object. Local councillor Martin Goss previously objected, citing residential concerns and traffic. The Planning Inspectorate has yet to issue a decision.

A Care Quality Commission inspection rated Delight Supported Living Ltd in Colchester as requiring improvement, citing breaches involving risk management, capacity and consent, and governance. Inspectors found inconsistent care planning, insufficient risk assessments, and failures to notify the regulator of all required incidents. Staff were praised for their kindness and relationships with clients, though gaps in information and legal compliance affected care quality. The provider had 64 people receiving personal care at the time of inspection, its first since registering in 2023.

Burger King will open a new drive‑thru at Stane Leisure Park in Colchester after plans initially rejected by Colchester Council were approved on appeal. Local concerns had focused on traffic, litter and antisocial behaviour, though the planning inspector found no evidence the restaurant would negatively impact the area. The branch opens Friday, offering 1,000 free burgers and additional promotional giveaways. Local councillor Lesley Scott‑Boutell expressed ongoing concerns about traffic and litter but said she would monitor the site.

A new application has been submitted to convert the derelict Heckford Angel pub near Colchester into office space with a café after previous restaurant and hotel plans failed due to lack of operator interest. The owner argues that continued deterioration requires renovation and that office use, combined with approved accommodation plans, offers a viable path forward. The proposal includes converting the barn into a café and using the upper floor for additional rooms, with shorter operating hours expected to avoid disruption. Past attempts to revive the property, including approved restaurant and bed-and-breakfast schemes, were unsuccessful, and the final decision now awaits Colchester Council.

A late-night break‑in at Stanway Rovers Football Club resulted in stolen membership money, two charity boxes for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and Prostate Cancer UK, and extensive damage to the clubhouse. Licensee Kevin Mather described the incident as shocking and distressing. The club plans a charity race night on July 24 to recover lost donations and fund repairs, receiving strong support from the local community. Essex Police appealed for information.

A longstanding Colchester High Street shop, Claydons, reassures customers its name and ownership remain unchanged after a revamp and co-branding with Nisa. Owner Steve Sutton emphasizes that the store continues to operate as Claydons while gaining access to an expanded grocery range and lower prices through the partnership. The collaboration introduces Co-op chilled products, extended opening hours, and has resulted in record footfall and sales in recent weeks.

Barclays will move its long‑standing Colchester High Street branch to Shewell Walk, occupying units currently held by Monsoon and Accessorize, which are set to close. Local officials expressed disappointment at the departure from the historic site but welcomed the bank’s decision to remain in the city centre. Civic figures highlighted the building’s historical significance and concerns about preserving it after the move. Broader worries were raised about nationwide reductions in physical bank branches and their effects on older residents. No firm timeline has been given for the retail closures or the bank’s relocation.

More than 100 participants gathered in Colchester to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Colchester Morris with a day of dance across the city. Groups from Essex and other regions performed at multiple venues before concluding at Castle Park. Leaders and attendees praised the event’s community spirit, historical significance, and the group’s ongoing commitment to preserving Morris dancing.