Following the news of Alnmaritec Ltd (trading as CTruks Marine Services) going into liquidation, Colchester Borough Council would like to reassure residents that planning work continues for Fieldgate Quay.
Councillor Simon Crow, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: “I can confirm that as the landlord of the site, we have sadly been notified that Alnmaritec Limited (trading as CTruks Marine Services) has gone into liquidation.
“We have been working closely with CTruks Marine Services over the last year regarding the repairs to Fieldgate Quay, including to ensure that arrangements were in place for the company to continue operating on the site whilst repairs were undertaken. There was no indication from the company that they were in financial difficulties until we heard from the liquidator, and I must stress this is not related to the river wall issue.
“It’s always upsetting when a Colchester business goes into liquidation and my thoughts are with the staff and their families.”
Colchester Borough Council has been advised by the liquidators that the site will be cleared by the end of the month and at that point, the site will be returned to the council as the landlord.
In terms of the repair to the river wall, lots of work has been going on behind the scenes, including investigation surveys, above and below the water, monitoring and planning. Consent from the Marine Management Organisation has been applied for and in line with this, an advertisement will shortly be placed in the local newspaper and notices will be placed on site.
With the site coming back to the council, it means there is the opportunity to look at different options in terms of the repair and the reopening of the footway.
When the land does come back to the council, the priority will be to ensure the site is made safe and then to re-open the river footpath. This may require a temporary diversion to allow travel along the riverbank between Rowhedge and the Hythe once more.
It is possible that the repair plans may now change considering the change of circumstance with the site. This is now under review, and the council will provide an update when this work is complete.
Page last reviewed: 16 February 2022