CONTROVERSIAL plans for a ramp linking a new student flats development have been approved despite campaigners efforts. Colchester Council planning officers have rubber stamped Alumno’s proposals for the ramp, linking Priory Street car park with its 336 student flats development. More than 930 people objected to the plans online, but they were approved on the day of last week’s elections. Campaigners are worried about the impact of the ramp on the town wall, despite Alumno’s assurances it would not be harmed. But the plans have been approved, paving the way for the much-maligned development to go ahead. Dorian Kelly has helped lead the fight against the scheme, which also features a Travelodge hotel, retail units and open space on land off Queen Street.
COUNCILLOR David King trotted out the tired argument that it wasn’t Roman, “only Victorian” remains that Alumno were destroying several square metres of, and said it was just a technical decision (Gazette, April 29, “Almost 1,000 have hit out at student flats ramp plan”). If it s that technical, can I re-point out that the slightest glance at the drawing shows that there is a danger of a wheelchair or a person with vision difficulties tumbling down a flight of steps? And that a steep 24-metre long ramp, even with slightly sloping resting places every now and again, is really difficult to push a manual wheelchair up?
A COUNTYWIDE literary spectacular which will run for three months has revealed its extended page-turning summer programme. The Essex Book Festival, first celebrated in 1999, is an annual bonanza during which hundreds of artists and writers take part in events across county. This year’s carnival of expression will see engaging activities hosted in person and online which will follow coronavirus guidelines. Taking place from June until August, the festival will use more than 40 venues, including the Jaywick Martello Tower, Clacton Library and Layer Marney Tower. It will also see walks hosted on the Witches Trail, which extends from Manningtree to Mistley, and at the Canvey Heights Country Park.
A COUNTYWIDE literary spectacular which will run for three months has revealed its extended page-turning summer programme. The Essex Book Festival, first celebrated in 1999, is an annual bonanza during which hundreds of artists and writers take part in events across county. This year’s carnival of expression will see engaging activities hosted in person and online which will follow coronavirus guidelines. Taking place from June until August, the festival will use more than 40 venues, including the Jaywick Martello Tower, Clacton Library and Layer Marney Tower. It will also see walks hosted on the Witches Trail, which extends from Manningtree to Mistley, and at the Canvey Heights Country Park.