Issue 60
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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Fabzoolous Friends this Proposed Cultural February Half Term at Quarter Development Colchester Zoo! (Queen Street)
Visit Colchester Zoo throughout February half term and learn more about your favourite animals during their ‘Fabzoolous Friends’ event! During some of their many daily encounters the Animal Care Team will inform you of the unique relationships between the animals, how the hierarchy of some groups work and which of the animals have great friendships! Take part in the Friendship Trail answering 8 questions about specially selected animal friendships within the zoo using the information boards at their enclosures! Answer all 8 questions correctly and submit your trail form at The Discovery Centre for your chance to WIN an Animal Experience selected by us!*
Some of the best of friends within the zoo are the Zoo Crew! During Fabzoolous Friends week at timed intervals the Zoo Crew will be at various locations throughout the park for you to see – collect a Zoo Crew sticker from each of the characters you meet to complete the Zoo Crew sticker page in your Friendship Trail!
I have always believed that the proposed Cultural Quarter development near Queen Street is not in the best interests of Colchester. Public opinion amongst residents is overwhelmingly against the proposed development, yet there has been an absence of a proper consultation process. The designs themselves look visually unsuitable for the surrounding cultural space in which they are planned to be located, and there has been a considerable degree of justified concerns expressed over the future of traffic congestion. The plans lack sufficient parking allocation for the 336 student flats and 87-bed hotel proposed to be built. What’s more, the plans could threaten a section of our cherished Roman Wall. Following the many concerns raised with me by residents, I organised a meeting with Essex County Council, who hold a covenant over the land. I was pleased to release the following statement afterwards: ‘Cllr Finch, the Leader of Essex County Council, was kind enough to meet with me to listen to the concerns of local residents and businesses about the proposed cultural quarter development - Queen Street, Colchester. At the meeting I urged Cllr Finch to look at the covenant Essex
County Council holds over the land in further detail and in the context of the significant local opposition to Colchester Borough Council’s plans. The covenant represents the only opportunity to stop this development from proceeding now that Colchester Borough Council has signed a deal with the developer and planning permission has been granted. I am pleased that Cllr Finch has listened and put the breaks on any decision to lift or release the covenant pending a review of it’s provisions. The covenant was put in place for a reason and we now have an opportunity to work with Essex County Council, to make them aware of the huge public opposition and make the case that lifting or releasing the covenant is not in the interests of Colchester residents or businesses. By Will Quince
For any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook:
Call: Out Of Office: Email: Head Office:
01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS
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Issue 61: 27/01/20 Issue 62: 25/02/20
Simply Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Simply Magazine. Therefore, Simply Magazine carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. For information on advertising or submitting a article please email David Cook at: Simplycolchester@gmail.com or call 01206 233717 / 07734 171985
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Mill Pond Car Park, Dedham Quick Crossword Puzzle – temporary changes value parking at the nearby Mill Lane Car Park in Dedham.
Colchester Borough Council’s Mill Pond Car Park in Dedham will have fewer car parking spaces available from 3 - 7 February 2020 whilst it is used as a compound by Suffolk County Council for major bridge works. This car park closure is to support Suffolk County Council’s essential major bridge maintenance on the nearby B1029 Dedham Road Bridge. Mill Pond Car Park will be used by the county council as a compound area, which is the most suitable location that has direct access to the bridge and watercourse. Shoppers, visitors and workers in Dedham can take advantage of great
Cllr Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the reduction in spaces. However, Suffolk County Council needs to complete these essential bridge works and using the car park as a compound is the best solution. “The nearby, and much larger, Mill Lane Car Park will remain open throughout this period so visitors, shoppers, workers can continue to enjoy Dedham and all the wonderful walks, shops and places to eat.” Information on parking in Dedham can be found at www.colchester.gov. uk/parking ACROSS 1 March off before obnoxious display of attractive offers (5,9) 9 Decried fighting in third game of best of three? (7) 10 Hopin’ to find something for the pain (7) 11 Some polypropylene is substandard (4) 12 Fund for young Tom (5) 13 Little child needs strength, it’s said (4) 16 Force one may chiefly associate with Heartbeat (7) 17 Study with class and fit in (7) 18 Forestall Anne Boleyn’s fate? (4,3) 21 Vicar, is it? Call again (7) 23 Old boy wants old pound coin from the past (4) 24 It enables you to visit several stations (5) 25 Present the woman with accolade finally (4) 28 One curtailed diction strangely – that’s stupid (7) 29 English supporter is first to tackle poet (7) 30 They will take on big guns at start of bestselling book (3,5,6) DOWN 1 Novel – old, weird Christie novel (5,4,5) 2 Drink with a trainee policeman before work (7) 3 Manufactured cheese turns up (4) 4 Rich trifle excited oriental (7) 5 Elected leader finally in charge is able to keep in shape (7) 6 Drinks up on board ship (4) 7 Mounting fear? (7) 8 From time to time bury glove by telly, oddly (14) 14 Friend acquires ring of bronze perhaps (5) 15 Rogue found in part of church when speaking (5) 19 To get rid of a slob, I changed hospital (7) 20 Intended to provide funds, lacking new opening for enterprise (7) 21 Tire man out making clothing (7) 22 Kind that is wearing glasses (7) 26 Small label for men only (4) 27 Bishop meets one Greek character or another (4) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 charm offensive. 9 decider. 10 aspirin. 11 ropy. 12 kitty. 13 mite. 16 impulse. 17 conform. 18 head off. 21 revisit. 23 obol. 24 radio. 25 here. 28 idiotic. 29 elegist. 30 The Great Gatsby. DOWN: 11 Cider With Rosie. 2 alcopop. 3 made. 4 fertile. 5 elastic. 6 sups. 7 vertigo. 8 intermittently. 14 alloy. 15 knave. 19 abolish. 20 fiancée. 21 raiment. 22 species. 26 stag. 27 beta.
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Colchester Borough Council’s biggest tree giveaway yet! The annual ‘Trees for Years’ giveaway, where Colchester Borough Council gives away trees for free to residents, returns on Saturday 22 February 2020. This year, as part of the Colchester Woodland Project and to mark the start of a new decade, there will be ten thousand trees given away instead of the planned two thousand and twenty! Colchester Borough Council is offering residents a big helping hand to green-up their gardens and the borough, by extending its annual ‘Trees for Years’ giveaway this year. As part of the Colchester Woodland Project ten thousand free native trees, shrubs and fruit bushes, chosen for their ability to promote wildlife in gardens and value to our local bee population, will be made available to residents, community groups, schools and town or parish councils on the day. Normally the event would see the number of trees match the year. To support this extended number of trees, the event will this year take place in the car park of Colchester United JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester CO4 5UP. The trees are only available to borough residents, who will be asked to show proof of living in the borough with a utility bill or similar. Residents should also bring their own bags. Now in its 14th year, the scheme has been made possible thanks to £2,000 sponsorship from idVerde, which works in partnership with the council to maintain the borough’s green spaces, as well as through funding from the Better Colchester campaign as part of the Colchester Woodland project. On the day, residents can arrive from 10am and trees will be given away on a first-come-first-served basis. Each household will be able to choose up to ten plants to take away – remaining stock dependant. Schools and community groups can take up to fifty, and town and parish councils should contact parks@colchester. gov.uk to discuss their requirements before the day if greater than fifty. Trees include Field Maple, Silver Birch, Red Stem Dogwood, Yellow Stem Dogwood and for residents with less garden space there will be a variety of shrubs including Lavender, Bird Cherry, Blackcurrant, Gooseberries and Raspberries. All trees are bareroot and range in height from 50cm
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to 1.2m. Residents can also collect a free planting guide and members of the council’s parks team will be on hand to advise on the best plants to suit residents’ gardens. The event will run until 2pm or until stock runs out. To celebrate this extended giveaway, there will also be several stalls and exhibitors on site from across the borough, including other council departments, a local children’s author, community groups, garden centres and more. There’ll be goodies and lots of information available – plus idVerde will have some impressive machinery and cutting equipment on display. Andy Fulcher, of idVerde, said: “We are extremely pleased to support Trees for Years once again. Not only is this a great scheme to help residents and community groups to green up their gardens for free, but the day is always a great opportunity for our team to meet and get to know Colchester’s residents.” Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “A big thank you to idVerde for their continued support and sponsorship of this inspiring initiative, which gives residents a chance to help create a greener borough and boost healthy habitats for insects and wildlife. “We’re really pleased to be able to extend the giveaway this year, too, thanks to the Colchester Woodland Project. Having a number of exhibitors on site is going to make this year’s event extra special.” Cllr David King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, added: “Trees for Years is always really well attended and trees and plants get snapped up quickly, so it’s fantastic to be able to give away even more this year thanks to the Colchester Woodland Project. “Through the Woodland project we want to create a network of volunteers to help us create and maintain a greener and Better Colchester. Our simple message to the people of Colchester has always been to love your trees and play your part in helping us green our beautiful borough. Trees for Years is the perfect opportunity for residents to do just that.” To find out more about the event visit www.colchester.gov.uk/ treesforyears.
Full list of trees A full list of trees available is detailed below, and for residents with less garden space there will be a variety of shrubs available too (also listed below). All trees are bare-root and range in height from 50cm to 1.2m.
Residents can also collect a free planting guide and members of the council’s Parks team will be on hand to advise on the best plants to suit residents’ gardens.
• Acer campestre
• Quecus robur
• Betula pendula
• Blackcurrant
• Corylus avellane
• Raspberry
• Ilex aquifolium
• Gooseberry
• Prunus padus
• Lavender
• Fagus sylvatica
• Crataegus monogyna
• Carpinus betulus
• Salix caprea
• Cornus alba
• Malus sylvestris
• Cornus S Flaviremea
• Amelanchier lamarckii
• Sorbus aucuparia
• Prunus avium
• Tilia cordata
We Are Colchester aims to unlock Colchester’s economic potential A dynamic partnership involving public, private and voluntary organisations has been set up to develop a long-term vision for unlocking more jobs and prosperity for Colchester. We Are Colchester - made up of Colchester Borough Council, Essex County Council, local businesses and other organisations - will draw up a wide-ranging and forward-thinking plan building on the borough’s already vibrant economy and making the best use of the historic, cultural and other assets the borough has to offer. It will be used to bid in for up to £25 million from the Government’s Town Deal, with Colchester being one of 100 areas across the country given the opportunity to bid for money from this fund. It would also be used to seek to lever in funding from other sources to help turn the agreed vision into reality. The plan will also look at helping overcome some of the challenges Colchester faces in ensuring its future economic growth including its reliance on retail and service sectors, the current transport infrastructure and continuing deprivation in parts of the borough which are among the 10% most deprived areas in England.
We Are Colchester will be chaired by an independent representative from Colchester’s business community. Leader of Colchester Borough Council, Cllr Mark Cory and Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development Cllr Tony Ball of Essex County Council will act as vice-chairs. Among the key areas the partnership will look at include how to better connect Colchester’s digital and transport infrastructure, how to grow the borough’s economy in an inclusive way, and how to make Colchester an even better place to live. To ensure the plan is as robust, sustainable and innovative as possible experts will be called in to advise the board. Communities will also have their chance to help shape the vision at a wide range of events being planned for the Spring, ahead of a funding bid being submitted to the Government in the summer. Cllr Tony Ball said: “One of our strategic priorities at Essex County Council is to target economic development to areas of opportunity. “Colchester is the fastest growing town in the East of England. It is a
town of opportunity and it is vital we all work together in partnership to secure this Government funding to attract companies, create jobs and increase prosperity.” Cllr Mark Cory said: “We are committed to maximising Colchester’s economic and cultural potential, which will benefit our local businesses and everyone living in the borough. “We are working step-by-step to make a better Colchester. Improvements can already be seen and felt. The Town
Deal offer shows that Colchester is seen as a place worth investing in. “We have been hugely successful in helping to attract new money into the borough to further our ambitions and support a host of high-profile projects. Residents should be excited by this new development. Working with Essex County Council and others, Colchester Borough Council will develop a vision helping not only secure as much as possible from the Town Deal, but also unlock the future potential of this great borough.”
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Winter Ready Neighbourhoods
– plus an incredible total of 74,000 winter bedding plants have been planted in Castle Park.
With the darker days and colder weather at this time of year many of us are busy with seasonal jobs and lists. The situation is no different for Colchester Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services who work hard to ensure Colchester is ready for winter.
Over the winter months, the service will host 28 market days which includes four additional market day trials on Wednesdays in Lion Walk, a successful Colchester Christmas Market with over 80 stall holders as well as the usual Friday and Saturday markets.
Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Our Neighbourhood Services undertake a huge amount of work behind the scenes and winter is no exception.
For months before Christmas, Neighbourhood Services were busy preparing for the Christmas and New Year recycling and rubbish collections. They made sure the resources and plans were in place for all 80,000 households in the borough to receive their weekly collection during this time.
The service also supported the preparation for the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On and managed the Colchester Christmas Market.
In one week alone, the Service makes 240,000 collections! There’s also a lot of demand on the service this time of year and last December and January the service collected an additional 110 tonnes of recycling – that’s the equivalent weight of a blue whale! The service is also responsible for gritting eight of the council-owned town centre car parks while their vehicles -particularly the recycling and rubbish collection trucks -require more maintenance to cope with the winter weather too.
Neighbourhood Services also carry out their quarterly operational inspections at all 76 playparks in the borough. This will include our largest play area in Castle Park and the most recently installed play area at Mile End Recreation Ground. With playparks being used less during the winter, it’s also the perfect time of year to carry out annual maintenance tasks such as laying artificial surfacing where needed. As well as assisting with the Better Colchester ‘Colchester Woodland Project’ the Service will also collect 2-3 tonnes of leaves from footpaths in Castle Park and use these to create mulch for planting the following year
“It’s an incredibly busy time for the Service and we want to highlight
some of the work that’s carried out at this time of year which helps to create a better Colchester for residents, businesses and visitors. “Some of the work taking place now, such as bulb planting, creating our own mulch and annual playpark maintenance won’t be noticeable until the Spring but it’s important that all these tasks are planned and carried out at the best time of year to make the service as efficient as possible”
Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre
Visitors can enjoy walks on Essex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve; with stunning panoramic views across the reservoir and surrounding villages as well as superb views of the water’s edge from three bird hides. The nature reserve has a 900m accessible circular footpath and there are wheelchairs available for use. The Visitor Centre offers a tearoom which is open seven days a week providing a variety of hot and cold food, most of which is locally sourced; easy access toilets & baby changing facilities; and a well-stocked shop which has binoculars, telescopes, bird food, feeders and a range of gifts. Essex Wildlife Trust runs a programme of events throughout the year for all ages as well as children’s outdoor birthday parties and a weekly toddler group available during term time; booking is required for all of our events. The visitor centre has a room that groups can hire and can accommodate 35 adults conference style; refreshments can be supplied by arrangement. Essex Wildlife Trust
is a charity and relies on donations to carry out its work for the wildlife and people of Essex. There is suggested entry donation of £2 for Adults £1 for children and £5 Family. The huge expanse of Essex & Suffolk Water’s Abberton Reservoir plays host to some 40,000 wetland birds each year all attracted to the shallow muddy margins and large areas of rough grassland, which provide the ultimate habitat for a plethora of wildlife and waterfowl. The Visitor Centre is 6 miles SW of Colchester on the B1026 (a minor road linking Colchester and Maldon) just South of Layer de la Haye - follow the brown and white “Abberton Reservoir visitor centre” signs. Group visits are welcome at Abberton Reservoir. We have a coach drop off area and coach parking; please contact the centre team prior to visiting so that your trip can be booked in. www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/ abberton-reservoir
For any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook:
Call: Out Of Office: Email: Head Office:
01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS
COPY DEADLINES:
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Issue 61: 27/01/20 Issue 62: 27/02/20
Quick Crossword Puzzle Plans for major upgrade to enhance and extend CCTV coverage in the town Colchester Borough Council’s Cabinet is set to discuss plans to install and extend a new state-of-the-art digital CCTV system in the Town Centre, when it meets on 29 January. Members will look at proposals to replace the existing analogue CCTV network with a modern, highdefinition digital monitoring system. Under the proposals, £250k of funding would be allocated to replace the existing analogue system with an advanced digital platform with new and additional capability and capacity to monitor areas in the Town Centre and beyond, including Castle Park and the Northern Gateway.
ACROSS 1 Harp on about taking a long time to provide place for unfortunate children (9) 6 Leaders of western Europe accept king is powerless (4) 9 Angrily I scold student at start of year (7) 10 One giving kiss or punishment (7) 11 Top champion nets millions (4) 12 Unfortunately star has men pestering (10) 14 Bergman’s part in fighting Marxism (6) 15 Describes bad beer and a gin very badly (8) 18 Two lags will discover what aircraft leaves behind (8) 19 Fool is to show derision about good man (6) 22 Be clearly bothered about carbon, being environmentally friendly (10) 24 Some timber includes northern pine (4) 26 Loving self-introduction by Conservative? (7) 27 Old vehicle needs new tacho – right one is installed (7) 28 Shows affection for dogs perhaps (4) 29 Losing her head, Beryl met ex – worried? Very! (9) DOWN 1 Paperwork from old equipment given to mate in Paris (7) 2 Quietly replaced a migrant bird (9) 3 On returning, some remained anchored in port (4) 4 On vacation touring New York no matter what (6) 5 Really happy with heads of English commerce still (8) 6 We harvest when ordered, gathering nothing at all (10) 7 Kelvin gets stuck into lean cooked joint (5) 8 Quite attractive (6) 13 Unpredictable cop is a cur, I fancy (10) 16 Confirm writer is English (9) 17 Some memory of a bit to eat, say, after concert (8) 18 Cornflakes perhaps mentioned in a row (6) 20 Correctly and cheerfully ignoring leader (7) 21 Bring out legal drug first (6) 23 Stop opening of Comic Relief (5) 25 Proscribe oriental poison (4)
The current network of cameras, covering more than 100 locations, is monitored day and night by a team of operators working across both CCTV and the Helpline service and is managed and operated by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd (CATL). If agreed, CATL would deliver and continue to operate the new digital system, utilising ultrafast fibre infrastructure being rolled out following a successful bid, on behalf of the council, for £3.45m from the Government’s Local Full Fibre Network Fund to improve Colchester’s digital connectivity. Councillor Theresa Higgins, Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “We are committed to investing in our Town Centre, to make it a safer and even more welcoming place where people feel comfortable to shop and enjoy their leisure time. “Our ongoing work to deliver ultrafast broadband across the borough will enable us to deliver new state-of-theart digital CCTV more economically than would have otherwise been possible.
“We know our current analogue cameras are coming to the end of their life span and don’t always provide clear enough images to help the police with prosecutions. If approved, the new digital system will play a key role in helping to reduce crime and the fear of crime across the Town Centre and other locations in the borough not yet served by existing CCTV. “We recognise that CCTV can divide opinion, but residents and visitors should be reassured that we will continue to adhere strictly to the Codes of Practice that regulate public surveillance, to help prevent and detect crime and antisocial behaviour, protect vulnerable individuals and promote social and economic wellbeing, which are so important for any successful and thriving community.
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 orphanage. 6 weak. 9 irately. 10 smacker. 11 acme. 12 harassment. 14 Ingmar. 15 vinegary. 18 contrail. 19 jester. 22 recyclable. 24 long. 26 amatory. 27 chariot. 28 pets. 29 extremely. DOWN: 1 origami. 2 ptarmigan. 3 Aden. 4 anyway. 5 ecstatic. 6 whatsoever. 7 ankle. 8 pretty. 13 capricious. 16 authorise. 17 gigabyte. 18 cereal. 20 rightly. 21 elicit. 23 cease. 25 bane.
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Meet the new faces of Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story has had its final participants added to the exhibition at Colchester Castle. This time, there will be eight people showcasing a range of different forms of adornment worn by Colchester residents.
These final eight contributors have fascinating and unique stories to tell, each reflecting the objects in the rest of the exhibition. From pageant crowns to mourning jewellery, these final stories help contextualise the historic objects on display.
Adorn is Colchester Museums’ first major exhibition since it reopened in 2014. It showcases the diverse ways people have decorated themselves for over 3,000 years. From Bronze Age gold to modern bling, over 300 objects are showcased in this stunning exhibition.
Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Adorn is packed full of remarkable objects with the most incredible stories associated with them. I would urge anyone to head to view the exhibition before it closes on the 16 February.”
The Your Stories display attempts to contextualise the stories that the curators of the exhibition cannot possibly tell about the objects in the rest of the exhibition. With many of the objects, they can only speculate as to why and how people in the past would have owned and made this jewellery.
Entry to Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story is included in Castle admission. Find out more at https://colchester. cimuseums.org.uk/adorn/
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Quick Crossword Puzzle Happy To Share My
Table cards in cafes across Colchester Colchester Borough Council is taking further steps to tackle social isolation and loneliness, by launching a new scheme to encourage people to come together and get talking. Happy To Share My Table has been launched, with table cards being used by 11 cafes in Colchester. The table card, which simply says ‘Happy To Share My Table’, can be used by those that would like to be joined by others who may also be looking for someone to share a table and have a conversation.
ACROSS 3 Throw from playing field (5) 8 One who tries to impress with tricky question about university (6) 9 Start rioting perhaps when taking time out (6) 10 Affectionate term for attractive woman (4) 11 Athlete wounded golfer with gun (4-6) 12 Recall amazing wine collection (6) 13 Milan team in France is to provoke curiosity (8) 16 Everywhere is in a disorganised muddle (3,4,3,5) 18 So pleb is reformed? That can be done (8) 21 Take no notice of foreign fellow missing at sea (6) 23 Fault-finding editor promises to pay (10) 25 Remaining in port (4) 26 Llama from mountain starts to annoy certain associates (6) 27 Shellfish is unknown in new store (6) 28 Tower discovered by some happy Londoners (5)
Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “I’m really pleased that we’re working with cafes across Colchester to launch the Happy To Share My Table project, which complements our CAFE ‘Colchester and Friends Events’ campaign, which launched in May 2019. “The table card is a simple idea to create a space for people to talk;
whether it is for five minutes or an hour of good conversation. I know from experience that a quick chat a with someone else can really brighten your day, so I hope it gets everyone talking.” All kinds of venues are being encouraged to sign up to the Happy To Share My Table project. Venues wishing to order table cards can find out more on the council’s website at colchester.gov.uk/sharemytable. You can also follow Happy To Share My Table at Enjoy Colchester on Facebook and @YourColchester on Twitter. One of Colchester Borough Council’s main priorities is to help make Colchester an even better place to live and support those who need most help. Happy To Share My Table is just one of the projects the council provides to support vulnerable people and help to create a Better Colchester.
DOWN 1 After the pub head of economics makes a scene (6) 2 Revolting roué libels Dicky (10) 3 Keep quiet over book (8) 4 Give up with whole rotten mess (5,2,3,5) 5 Dish stolen by dope (6) 6 Some upstanding prominent figures show talent (4) 7 Miscellaneous birds (6) 12 Guy entertains Mark and Victor (5) 14 Stern engineer advanced a smaller sum (10) 15 Article by me provides topic (5) 17 English girl backing Number One release (8) 19 Finished and emptied lorry too (6) 20 Friend has to polish up material (6) 22 Instinctive reaction from referee gets the Frenchcross (6) 24 Introduction of speed camera’s not half a con (4) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3 pitch. 8 poseur. 9 origin. 10 babe. 11 shot-putter. 12 cellar. 13 interest. 16 all over the place. 18 possible. 21 ignore. 23 censorious. 25 left. 26 alpaca. 27 oyster. 28 pylon. DOWN: 1 locale. 2 rebellious. 3 preserve. 4 throw in the towel. 5 hotpot. 6 gift. 7 divers. 12 champ. 14 relentless. 15 theme. 17 emission. 19 overly. 20 burlap. 22 reflex. 24 scam.
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A dozen new council homes agreed Twelve new council houses were given the green light by Colchester Borough Council last night (Thursday) forming part of the authority’s commitment to delivering up to 350 new affordable homes over the next five years. A meeting of the council’s Planning Committee backed applications made on behalf of the council by Colchester Amphora Homes Ltd (CAHL) and Colchester Borough Homes - the council’s housing development company and housing management company.
well as two affordable homes that will be owned by the council as part of the first mixed-tenure housing development being undertaken by CAHL in Creffield Road. All of the 350 new affordable homes being delivered by the end of 2024 will be owned by Colchester Borough Council and managed by Colchester Borough Homes to help house some of the nearly 3,000 people on the council’s housing register. Among the other steps being taken to achieve this aim are:
12 two-bedroomed flats will now be developed on two former garage sites in Buffett Way and Scarfe Way. Both sites will be affordable homes for rent by local people, built to make better use of land. Any garages currently on the sites will be demolished.
• CAHL delivering 30% (over 120 homes) new affordable homes as part of larger mixed-tenure developments across sites at Creffield Road, Mill Road and St Runwald Street
These developments form part of the second phase of the council using former garage sites to help provide much-needed housing. In phase one 34 homes were built and further sites are being looked at to provide more muchneeded homes.
• re-developing and modernising the sheltered housing site at Elfreda House
These dozen new affordable homes follow the agreement of eight homes to be developed through CAHL for Military Road at the end of last year, as
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• bringing forward a third phase of developments on former garage sites later this year
• purchasing former council homes that have been sold and homes that are on the open market In total, borrowing of up to £75 million over five years has been agreed to
support the delivery of these muchneeded homes. This would then be recouped over a longer period through the additional rental incomes received. This was made possible by the Government scrapping its one per cent rent reduction which has been in place since 2015, as well as removing a previously imposed “debt cap” so that councils can once again borrow funds to build affordable homes. Councillor Adam Fox, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “While this is a vibrant and prosperous borough there are still pockets of deprivation and many people
needing our help and support. “This is clearly highlighted in the demand for affordable homes in the borough and we are committed to providing the much-needed council homes. “While these developments may appear to be small steps, they are part of a much bigger package we are working on in partnership with Colchester Amphora Homes Ltd, Colchester Borough Homes and others to deliver the homes our residents need and want.”
Plant Your Tree Over the next 5 years we plan to plant 200,000 trees across the borough as part of the Better Colchester campaign, helping to offset 32,000 tonnes of carbon in the lifetime of the trees! Trees and woodlands are a vital part of our eco-system and we are committed to preserving them and helping them to flourish. This is at the very heart of the Colchester Woodland Project. We want to make our borough even greener and we want to help our community know, love and use our woods and parks, benefitting from the environmental, health and well-being, and societal benefits they bring. 20 sites across Colchester have been identified for the first year of tree planting (2019 -2020), and they are listed below along with dates planting will take place. If you’d like to come along and help plant at any of the locations please register your interest by emailing parks@colchester.gov.uk, and don’t forget to bring a spade/fork with you! *Please be aware that all planting days are dependent on the appropriate
weather conditions and are therefore subject to change. We are also looking for a site for a new community woodland, with hopes to begin planting this major part of the scheme at the end of 2020. We are working towards a Community Orchard at Colchester Cemetery, which has Green Flag status, and creating a Mayoral woodland in March 2020; plus, we will extend our annual Trees for Years giveaway in February 2020 by thousands of trees!
Parish Councils and Local Schools There are a number of trees available to Parish Councils and local schools to plant on their own land, if you’d like to find out more email parks@colchester.gov.uk.
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Quick Crossword Puzzle Colchester welcomes more funding to support rough sleepers Colchester is one of more than 300 local authorities across the country chosen by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to provide more support for rough sleepers.
Borough Homes have secured £901,727 from the government Rough Sleeper funding streams to help prevent and reduce rough sleeping by helping clients access accommodation and support.
Colchester’s successful bid for an additional £296,144 from MHCLG’s Rough Sleeper Initiative fund will continue the interventions already in place to reduce the number of people sleeping rough in the borough and help them into accommodation.
Councillor Adam Fox, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured this additional funding, which will continue our work to address rough sleeping in the borough.
This latest funding was dependent on the success of the projects delivered during 2019-20 and will be used to continue and extend those initiatives in 2020-21 including: • A ‘housing first’ approach, in partnership with a registered provider of supported housing, that provides a stable platform from which other issues can be addressed and wider support accessed • An Early Response Rough Sleeper Co-ordinator • assertive street outreach, especially out of hours provision and reconnection. • Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP), from October to mid-March, and • Navigator roles to provide intensive support to clients with multiple disadvantage In addition, the funding will also provide a Health Support Specialist to join the team. Since 2016, Colchester Borough Council and Colchester
“The council, with the assistance of Colchester Borough Homes and a range of local support and accommodation providers, already delivers several projects that are helping to make a real difference to the lives of rough sleepers and vulnerable people at risk of homelessness. “The reasons why people find themselves in a vulnerable position on the streets are extremely complex. We believe people should be treated as individuals and have the opportunity to access a package of support from appropriate agencies. “Everyone has a role to play in tackling rough sleeping. With public support, we can improve lives and make a Better Colchester for everybody. If you see a rough sleeper and are concerned for their welfare, please report them directly to support services who can help them via Street Link.” If you see someone sleeping rough, visit www.streetlink.org.uk download the free mobile app for Apple and Android, or call 0300 500 0914.
ACROSS 7 Suitable colour scheme given to interior of house (8) 9 One having a peep at attractive woman (6) 10 Some admit Chris is an irritation (4) 11 Some larks give rise to great delight (10) 12 Havng superior quality, exude largess initially when working (2,4) 14 Eccentric partner keeps one marine reptile (8) 15 I pay a rent, originally designed to get place for workers (6) 16 Old fellows given one church duty (6) 19 Orwell’s pig is a 25 Across (8) 21 Earth is scattered around new part of plant (6) 23 Spurs team’s struggling to appear adequate (4,6) 24 Headgear to go with oriental garment (4) 25 Informer finds tin with 10 Across (6) 26 Sounds like meal’s untouched in Warwickshire town (8) DOWN 1 Item of furniture needs fixed support (6) 2 Boy rejected hot food (4) 3 Refrain from taking Ecstasy with older family member (8) 4 Changing rules takes time in Irish province (6) 5 Deny Diana is involved in agreement (10) 6 Note pay increase and learn it by heart (8) 8 It may be sung in humble dwelling (6) 13 Almost the whole of creation goes to city, we hear – Oxford perhaps (10) 15 Familiarise Bill with unusual antique out East (8) 17 Outrageous tirade about the Union Jack? (8) 18 Idiot caught with mixture of nitre (6) 20 Shows amusement when lass endlessly conceals disgusted expression (6) 22 Use stratagem to pursue half of them (6) 24 Bit of paper from African country (4)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7 decorous. 9 looker. 10 itch. 11 exaltation. 12 de luxe. 14 terrapin. 15 apiary. 16 office. 19 squealer. 21 anther. 23 pass muster. 24 cape. 25 snitch. 26 Nuneaton. DOWN: 1 settee. 2 nosh. 3 forebear. 4 ulster. 5 contradict. 6 memorise. 8 shanty. 13 university. 15 acquaint. 17 flagrant. 18 cretin. 20 laughs. 22 employ. 24 chad.
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