Contractors have been given the green light to begin clearing the former CTruks Marine Services site, as planning work continues for nearby Fieldgate Quay.
Specialist contractor Squibb Group moved onto the 2.5-acre site last Monday (30 May) and is expected take up to three weeks to safely dispose of waste and other materials left behind after parent company Alnmaritec went into administration in February.
Clearing the site, which has since returned to Colchester Borough Council, will enable plans for a temporary diversion of the riverside path between Rowhedge and the Hythe to proceed in the coming weeks. However, the priority is to ensure the site is secured and made safe before the diverted path reopens.
Councillor Mark Cory, Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: “I am delighted that work has begun to clear the site and we will soon be able to move forward to find an alternative use for the land, to repair Fieldgate Quay and to fully restore the riverside path.
“Lots has been going on behind the scenes, as we continue to look at options to repair the riverbank in a way that is both sensitive to local ecology and the needs of walkers and other river users. More information on the river bank repair will be shared in due course.
“The River Colne is internationally important for wildlife, and the council is in consultation with several statutory organisations to minimise the impact of any work to the surrounding biodiversity.
“We will of course continue to provide further updates as and when significant progress is made to complete this important work.”
Page last reviewed: 9 June 2022