Issue 52
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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Conservative Party News Liberal Democrats Party News Imagine a Colchester with the buzz of Brighton and the beauty of Bury St. Edmunds? Wouldn’t it be good if our Darius G Laws Town Centre eclipsed what Chelmsford has to offer? And why shouldn’t this be the reality, rather than a dream? As well as regenerating key sites within the town Centre I am firmly committed to protecting everything that is special about the countryside throughout our borough and especially our wonderful Mersea Island. Colchester is Britain’s Oldest Recorded Town and was Britain’s First Roman City, we have the world’s largest Norman Keep, Britain’s only Roman Chariot Racing Circus, Britain’s first and longest Roman City Walls, hidden temples and iron-age treasures just waiting to be explored. We are the home of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; Humpty Dumpty and Britpop legends Blur. A Conservative run Council will protect and promote our heritage and cultural assets to make Colchester the ‘must visit’ destination of East Anglia. Colchester should be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will improve the long-term decision-
making process and significantly reduce the cost of elections. Sadly, some very basic issues need urgent attention. We are all suffering from years of excessive housing development and a lack of proper infrastructure planning, gridlocked roads, poor air quality and disjointed cycle routes. A Conservative Council will work with Essex County Council and the Government to deliver improvements. Our historic Town Centre needs fixing. Our pavements have fallen into disrepair, our historic Charter market has contracted. Aggressive beggars are taking advantage of good natured Colcestrians. We want to ensure that help gets through to those who are genuinely homeless. A Conservative Council will invest in our CCTV network to improve security and, working with the Police, take a zero-tolerance approach to those who seek to intimidate and spoil our Town Centre. It is almost 2000 years since the Romans first arrived here - by setting out a vision now, our children and grandchildren will reap the benefits. It will take time, but I am determined to deliver a better Colchester for us all. Darius Laws
It’s that time of year again. Not just Spring. But to the delight of every citizen, elections, yes again. One third of the seats are up for grabs Cllr David King on May 2nd. Opponents say it costs money and diverts attention from the job of running the Council but it is the system we have. We all have enjoyed Brexit (not) and the mess that is our exit from the European Union. Now local politicians are getting ready to beat on your door. The good news is that they care about our town (sorry our city) and our borough. And most agree with good sense, good policies and each other much more than they do not (or may admit). Those who like Games of Thrones will be pleased however now is the time for knives and differences to be sharpened. And that’s just inside the parties! That means much drafting of manifesto promises to the good people of Colchester. The Lib Dems lead the Council, so we will be clearer than others about what can be done. And our promises will be funded! And affordable. Most are already
Conservative (Opposition) Group Leader, Colchester Borough Council
in the budget (passed after much drama by just one vote). I really do think they make sense (yes I would say that ). Keeping the streets clean, more police, lighting up our heritage, maintaining excellent, indeed awardwinning services is what we all now can expect. All for a Better Colchester. I am still impressed by our Customer Services. They do so much and well. Including help for those who struggle with IT and smart technology. The Council ‘Digital Access’ team are a great bunch, hugely patient with those of us who are all ‘fingers and thumbs’.They know connecting people up can change lives, reduce isolation and enable new friendships. The team are in the Library the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Mondays of every month and they offer one to one help as well. Give them a call on 01206 282 734. They have the support of Councillors and I hope you or others in your circle of family or friends can take advantage of their willingness to help. That’s it, now it is back to the manifesto drafting. Like many I’ll be on a doorstep soon near you, careful about dogs getting hold of my fingers as I pop a leaflet through a letter box, windswept and sore of foot but like the whole team, here to serve!
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Residents and businesses urged to pledge their support to alleviate and prevent homelessness Residents and companies can now publicly state how they want to help tackle the issue through making an online pledge Residents and businesses across Colchester are being urged to show their support for preventing and alleviating homelessness in the borough. As part of the Homelessness Prevention Charter – jointly set up by Colchester Borough Council and Colchester Borough Homes – residents and companies can now publicly state how they want to help tackle the issue through making an online pledge. The charter underpins Colchester’s Homelessness Strategy produced by the Homelessness Strategy Project Group, which included the council and partner organisations committed to preventing homelessness in the borough. More than 150 Colchester households are in temporary accommodation and a rough sleepers count carried out last year found 13 people sleeping rough in Colchester – down from 20 the previous year. In 2017/2018, Colchester Borough Homes Housing Solutions Team, working with a range of partners,
helped prevent homelessness for 869 households by giving advice on budgeting, defending illegal evictions, negotiating with landlords and helping them secure alternative accommodation. Under Colchester’s Homelessness Strategy, the council is committed to tackling homelessness in the borough by working closely with partner organisations and focusing on early interventions that prevent people losing their homes. Now residents and businesses can help play their part in supporting this ambition. Among the online pledges they can make include: • donating to a local homelessness charity or project • volunteering for a local homelessness organisation • having a Homeless Support Champion in the workplace to help inform colleagues about homelessness and alternative ways of supporting the homeless • raising money for a local organisation to help people that are at risk or are experiencing homelessness • companies offering a person who is or has been homeless training or work experience
Alternatively, residents and businesses will be able to develop their own pledge, in a similar way to the council’s recent Colchester Plastic Pledge. The aim of the initiative mirrors the ambition of the council’s Better Colchester campaign to make the borough an even better place to live, work in and visit. Cllr Tina Bourne, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities said: “Working with a wide range of partners, the council is doing everything we can to prevent and eliminate homelessness in the borough. “This effort can be further strengthened within our whole community, including residents and businesses playing their part. A simple action may help a
Colchester castle welcomes Flame the Dragon this Easter! Flame, the rather roar-some Dragon, will be greeting Castle guests on Sunday 14 April. Colchester Castle, Europe’s largest Norman Keep, is set to welcome a rather unusual visitor this Easter – but will you be brave enough to say hello?! Flame, the rather roar-some dragon, will be greeting Castle guests on Sunday 14 April. Meeting Flame will be free of charge after normal Castle admission and for those brave enough to venture to the Castle, you can even have a picture taken with him! Take the opportunity to learn more about mythical beasts throughout history, from the Castle’s friendly team, and take part in a fun activity trail and arts and crafts activities. Flame the Dragon is just one of Colchester Museums fun-packed Easter holiday events that are guaranteed to entertain every member of the family. Cllr Tim Young, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Colchester Castle is Colchester’s ultimate family day out attraction and we are privileged to have it on our doorstep. “This Easter I would like to invite as many people to come along to the Castle, learn about the Castle’s
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work colleague facing eviction, or a neighbour and their family uprooted and placed in temporary accommodation. Through making a simple pledge and sticking to it, everyone can make a tangible difference to those who are struggling to keep a roof over their head. “I want to harness the enthusiasm of everyone who wants to get involved but doesn’t know the best way to do so. I would urge as many people as possible to sign up to help us make homelessness a thing of the past and ensure a Better Colchester for every resident.” Anyone who would like to make a pledge or find out more about the charter can do so at colchester.gov. uk/homelessnesspledge/
outstanding place in history and have plenty of fun whilst doing so! Flame has promised to be very well behaved and is looking forward to meeting as many visitors as possible! “Don’t forget if you are a Colchester resident pick up a Resident Pass and enjoy a year of free Castle admission.” The animal theme is continued at Colchester’s Natural History Museum. The Museum has teamed up with Eden Falconry to bring several magnificent birds to the venue including our favourite, the majestic owl! Head down between the 9-11 April to discover more about the owl and other fascinating birds. If animal encounters are not for you, choose to get messy with glue and glitter instead at Hollytrees Museum Easter arts and crafts sessions, between the 16-18 April. Guaranteed fun for all! Colchester Museums put on wide and varied holiday event programme throughout the year. Make sure you are following @ColMuseums on social media and bookmark www. cimuseums.org.uk/events to stay up to date with our latest news. Events such as these help preserve the town’s rich heritage for generations to come and help to make a Better Colchester.
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Check your information to Calling all potential Lifeguards Vote in the May Local Elections Leisure World Colchester is holding swimming test will then attend an Ensure you’re eligible to vote in the Borough Council elections on 2 May.Residents aged 18 or over are being reminded to check that their details on the Electoral Register are up to date, by Friday 12 April, to ensure they’re eligible to vote in the Borough Council elections on 2 May. Colchester residents who have changed their name, moved to a new house, turned 18 or never registered to vote can quickly and easily update or join the Register at www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote. Everyone across the borough who is on the Register will receive their polling card from the council between 22 March – 1 April. The polling cards confirm the location of the elector’s polling station. You do not need to register again, if you have received a poll card. Anyone who is registered but unable to cast their vote at their polling station on 2 May can apply for a postal vote by downloading and returning a form by 5pm on Monday, 15 April, or a proxy vote by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April. To help all borough residents prepare ahead of
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casting their votes in the Colchester Borough Council elections being held on 2 May 2019, information about polling stations, borough wards and boundaries and the voting process is available at www.colchester.gov.uk/ elections. Colchester Borough Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, Adrian Pritchard, said: “I encourage all residents aged 18 and over to vote in the 2 May elections and have their say on the important issues in the borough. “Every residents’ vote matter and it’s important to make sure your details are up to date on the Register and you’re aware of the deadlines for registration, postal and proxy votes. Look out for your polling card and apply for a postal or proxy vote if you’re not able to vote at a polling station. Details of all this and more is available on our website to help residents prepare.” Information for candidates wishing to stand for election to the Borough Council is also available online.
a Lifeguard Recruitment Open Day Wednesday 24 April.
Have you ever thought about working as a lifeguard… but don’t have the qualifications? Leisure World Colchester is currently recruiting for lifeguards to work in its Leisure, Fitness and Teaching Pools and is offering new recruits the chance to have all their training costs funded up front. Leisure World Colchester is holding a Lifeguard Recruitment Open Day Wednesday 24 April, starting at 8am. Applicants must be aged 16+ and are asked to complete an application form before 5pm on 22 April. On the day, candidates will be asked to complete a swimming test to show that they can: jump/dive into deep water; swim 50 metres (2 lengths of the Fitness Pool) in no more than 60 seconds; swim 100 metres (4 lengths of the Fitness Pool) continuously on their front and back; tread water for 30 seconds; surface dive to the floor of the pool (3.7m), and climb out of the pool unaided without ladders or steps. Those that pass the
interview on the same day. Successful candidates will have the cost of a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification funded up front, giving them the opportunity to earn money and gain great experience in a full-time leisure career, right from their first day. Cllr Nick Barlow, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “Becoming a lifeguard at Leisure World gives you the opportunity to gain fantastic work experience in the leisure sector, allows you to work in a fun environment, and provides an important service to your community. I would encourage all those that are interested to complete an application form and come along to the Recruitment Day.” Leisure World is a fun and exciting place to work with excellent rates of pay from £9 per hour, plus access to the Colchester Borough Council staff benefits scheme. For more information and to complete an application form visit: colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/ bealifeguard
Get Outside and De-Stress and relax in comfort and luxury With the internet age taking over so much of our everyday lives sometimes its just great to get away from it all and get out and explore Britain or possibly even Europe? Camping is no longer a poor holiday alternative to the vacation abroad and with the new generation of Air Tents and glamorous accessories there is no need to rough it. Most campsites offer electric hook up for your tents so heaters, hair straighteners and hairdryers are all possible in your tent! Children love the freedom to explore on the campsite in a safe area with other new friends and the adults can relax and have quality down time away from the pressures of modern life.
When we go camping we spend most, if not all of our time outside. Mentally focussing on all the things that make you feel great outside can do wonders for your mind and soul. Life pauses and stress levels drop making it a fantastic time for your body to have a break. The feeling of simple achievement are also very rewarding. Such as pitching a tent, setting up the camper van or caravan, and making a home away from home. This answers one of our very basic needs to create shelter. Then if we start a fire, cook our food with minimal tools, and sleep and wake with nature we get into the rhythm of nature and basic survival, therefore nurturing our natural instincts.
When we go camping we also love the process of simplifying, subtracting and stripping back from our normal cluttered and hectic daily lives. This gives us more opportunity to really get in touch with nature, find some solitude and time to switch off, and simply to breath. This space and clarity allows us to really see everything in natures playground, listen to it speak and be reminded of how amazing it all is. This in turn helps us put everything else back into perspective. Being outside in the fresh air also seems to heighten our senses, which can bring more rewards. Food tastes better, air smells cleaner and the birds and nature sound louder. At Camperite Lesiure the 3 main staff have over combined
85 years of experience working with campers and caravanners to help them choose the right tent or awning for there holiday along with all the equipment they could possibly need for a family holiday. There main aim is on customer service and great prices that can often be cheaper than online or big superstores. They even make sure there tents are cheaper in store than online as well as offereing a price match so you really cant go wrong. With tents erected outside so you can wander about abd get a true outdoor feel it really is worth a visit to your local camping shop that’s been supplying quality camping equipment to the people of Colchester for over 30 years.
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Colchester Borough Council supports communities to clean up as part of country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign Colchester Borough Council (CBC) has pledged its support for this year’s Great British Spring Clean run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. The campaign, which runs from March 22 to April 23, will see up to half a million people acting to clean up streets, parks and beaches across the country. The Great British Spring Clean brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to make a difference to the environment on our doorstep, and in 2018 around 370,000 #LitterHeroes collected more than 630,000 bags of rubbish. Last year, ward councillors and Colchester Borough Council’s Zone Wardens joined community groups and residents to pick up litter within the borough. A total of 16 organised litter picks took place. Over the campaign, 2763 kilograms of litter and waste were collected – mostly consisting of bottles, wrappers and plastic bags.
Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “The Great British Spring Clean is an opportunity for the millions of people who care about the environment on their doorstep to do something positive that will make a visible difference. “We are delighted that CBC is supporting this year’s campaign and would like to thank them for their support. “Without councils across the country giving the campaign their backing, our volunteers would not be able to do the incredible job they do.” CBC is encouraging all Colchesterbased community groups or individuals who sign up to support this year’s Great British Spring Clean to contact communities@colchester. gov.uk. CBC’s Zone Wardens will then ensure enough clear sacks are available for litter picks and will organise for the collection of sacks after each event. Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder Waste, Environment & Transportation,
said: “Keeping Colchester free of litter is something we can all contribute towards. I am pleased we are supporting this campaign again this year, particularly with the focus on separating the litter ready for recycling. “If we all chip in, we can make a difference and make a Better Colchester. I will of course be rolling my sleeves up and arranging events myself!” This year’s campaign will not only see tonnes of litter being removed from the environment on our doorstep, it also aims to rescue thousands of the
plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans that are simply thrown on the ground but could, very easily, be recycled. Using the ‘three bags full’ approach, volunteers will be asked to separate the litter they pick into three bags: one for plastic bottles; one for aluminium cans and a third for the rest of the rubbish. CBC will then collect these bags to ensure that they are recycled appropriately. To find out more about the Great British Spring Clean visit www.keepbritaintidy.org
01621 893834 t 07900 332795 8
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Join Colchester Zoo for an eggs-stra special Easter this half term
Join Colchester Zoo for an eggs-stra special Easter this half term, with so much to see and do, you’re bound to leave with a spring in your step! Learn more about the animals and see them up close by watching an array of daily encounters and discover the wonders of wildlife with a number of interactive activities as you explore the park. PLUS you can even feed some of our gentle giants for FREE at our daily public elephant and giraffe feeds! You can also purchase a pot of nectar for just £1 and hand feed our rainbow lorikeets their favourite treat in our Australian Rainbows aviary. Don’t forget to pop into the Interactive Zone at the Discovery
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Centre where you can watch your drawings come to life on our live drawing wall! You can also build your own landscape in our interactive sand pit, watch as rivers and mountains appear with the changing levels you create! The Zoo Crew’s favourite magician is making an appearance this Easter! Magic Iain will be performing his fun, interactive, family magic show at 11am & 2pm on the 9th, 11th, 16th and 18th Aprilon the main stage outside Penguini’s Restaurant. Approx. running time 30mins. Book your E-tickets online for fantastic savings offering affordable days out this Easter! Find out more about the wild adventure that awaits you at Colchester Zoo by visiting www.colchesterzoo.org
Quick Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS 1 Narrow escape from encounter with sharp razor? (5,5) 9 On reflection Val is hard but generous (6) 10 Gran gets ring back in very short time (10) 11 Person revered by one pretty girl mostly (4) 12 One who foretells financial advantage for the auditor (7) 15 Cuts around university floodgates (7) 16 Irritable character in Grahame’s story (5) 17 Rocks and Ecstasy impounded by judge (4) 18 Prevent vessels returning (4) 19 One following strict diet, say, in the lead (5) 21 Territorial dispute causing conflct at the racecourse? (4,3) 22 Left with beam after show (7) 24 Metal item used to control pet (4) 27 Symbolic tales spreading lies galore (10) 28 Striking single, move faster than opponent (6) 29 Forced away gentle bird (5,5) DOWN 2 One departing bar is heard (6) 3 Northerner puts son on bed (4) 4 Around lake there’s poor protection (7) 5 Above taking part in wildcat operations (4) 6 Ageing tree starts to look yellowish (7) 7 One justifying V-sign (10) 8 Could be holy popish thinking (10) 12 At sea patrol boat loses a little time in Welsh seaside town (4,6) 13 Responds excessively when engineer gets stuck into ham (10) 14 Sailor takes exercise to become thinner (5) 15 Reversed roles for band (5) 19 Homeless person in Virginia given allowance (7) 20 Is familiar we hear with happy bunch... (7) 23 ...a toff, too (2,4) 25 Predatory creature rising with tide (4) 26 A danger to swimmers in Oregon and California (4)
01206 564179 01473 780477
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SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 close shave. 9 lavish. 10 nanosecond. 11 idol. 12 prophet. 15 sluices. 16 ratty. 17 reef. 18 stop. 19 vegan. 21 turf war. 22 portray. 24 lead. 27 allegories. 28 outrun. 29 tawny eagle. DOWN: 2 leaver. 3 scot. 4 shelter. 5 atop. 6 elderly. 7 vindicator. 8 philosophy. 12 Port Talbot. 13 overreacts. 14 taper. 15 strap. 19 vagrant. 20 nosegay. 23 as well. 25 flow. 26 orca.
Start your own Colchester Roman Avenue of Remembrance War Invasion with Visit Colchester! English Tourism Week takes place this year from the 30 March – 7 April. Following Visit Colchester’s Roman Invasion of Liverpool Street Station this month, and to support English Tourism Week, we would like to encourage as many people as possible to get out and about and discover the many great tourist attractions that Colchester, Britain’s First City, offers visitors and residents alike. English Tourism Week is a week-long celebration of tourism in England and takes place this year from the 30 March – 7 April, to mark the start of the new tourist season. Pop in to see the friendly team at the Visitor Information Centre and find out how you can start your very own Colchester Roman Invasion with friends and family, by letting them know of all the great touristy things you can do in your own town! To celebrate we are giving away FREE Visit Colchester goodies to the first 50 people who head to the Visitor Centre in Hollytrees Museum each day, for the duration of English Tourism Week.
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In AD49, Camulodunum (Colchester) was the first place in Britain to be given the status of a Roman Colonia or City by the Emperor Claudius and was also the first capital of Roman Britain. Today, Britain’s First City boasts a plethora of Roman heritage sites to visit – from the oldest and longest Roman city walls, to the Roman Circus Centre where visitors can explore the history of the only Roman chariot racing track to be discovered in Britain. This Easter, children (and adults!) can go on a great Rotten Romans and Naughty Normans guided walking tour packed full of plenty of gory details, that children will love! Any Roman Invasion is not complete without a visit to Colchester Castle. The Castle was constructed with recycled Roman materials and is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, it’s a great place to visit with family this Easter. Why not head along on Sunday 14 April and come face to face with the Dragon, but only if you are brave enough!
Memorial to be refurbished The memorial features plaques listing the names of all those who had commemorative trees planted along the Avenue of Remembrance in 1933 Colchester Borough Council is starting a programme of refurbishment at the Avenue of Remembrance First World War memorial, situated at the junction of Colne Bank Avenue and North Station Road. The memorial features plaques listing the names of all those who had commemorative trees planted along the Avenue of Remembrance in 1933. A total of 140 names feature on the plaques. The first part of the refurbishment will see the now-faded plaques removed and taken away to be cleaned and restored. This work is being undertaken by A. Clarke Memorials and will take a few weeks. The next stage of the refurbishment will see the seating area weeded and pressure-washed, and the seats taken away to be cleaned and repainted. The existing bollards will also be repainted, and the existing bin will be replaced.
When planting season begins in September, new plants and shrubs will be planted as well as a new hedge. To make the area more accessible, new paving will also be installed, once the planting has taken place. Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Portfolio Holder for Waste, Sustainability and Infrastructure, said: “This War Memorial needs some refurbishment and I am glad that as part of our Better Colchester campaign, we are making this possible. “The refurbishment of the war memorial forms part of longerterm regeneration plans for North Station Road. The proposal to seek Conservation Area Status for this part of the town will be going to the Local Plan Committee, this spring, and we are seeking to secure grant funding to improve some of the buildings in the road and the historic bridge crossing the river Colne.” The refurbishment of the War Memorial will cost £13,670.
Quick Crossword Puzzle Colchester Labour Party News With all the brouhaha nationally about Brexit and local controversies over library closures, inconvenient roadworks, elephants on roundabouts, Cllr Tim Young planning applications and whatever else it is sometimes chastening and vitally important to be brought down to earth by the realities of life.
ACROSS 1 Clairvoyant is to support the nuts in charge (9) 6 One with the hump caught male out (5) 9 Wife perhaps is inactive business associate (8,7) 10 Split reported initially by one newspaper (4) 11 Dance follows live jazz (5) 12 Song for that man on the radio (4) 15 Warm review read out (7) 16 Betray one’s principles in very popular show (4-3) 17 Completely finished with a Latin paramour (3,4) 19 Old king hugs wayward son for comfort (7) 20 Part of azalea, for example (4) 21 Vietnamese perhaps is like Scot (5) 22 Oddly ignored fondness for poetry (4) 26 Quick excursion to see small railway stations? (7-4,4) 27 Act on desire to find most senior member (5) 28 Evil bank acquires church, honestly! (9) DOWN 1 Awkward question for affected sort (5) 2 Poor formality, I aver, involves one showing this? (4-11) 3 Writer’s optimism (4) 4 Hide treatment from the workers here? (7) 5 Generous policeman promises to pay (7) 6 Low-life needs time with brief (4) 7 Fed poorly no more, somehow getting easy cash (5,3,3,4) 8 Left regent to change spectacles (9) 13 Start court proceedings? (5) 14 Criticism involving northern side (5) 15 Drank with heads of state when permitted (9) 18 More reckless son provides the bacon (7) 19 Punish devious cheats to a point (7) 23 Sprinkle water on some flowers (5) 24 Most put up with this chap (4) 25 Sword turns up in Dundee perhaps (4)
It was actually during the Planning Committee which refused the application on the St Botolph’s Quarter that I first received a message from a constituent asking for some urgent advice, information and assistance. She had literally no money to buy food, heat her property or obtain anything. Her Universal Credit payment wasn’t due for over a week and she didn’t know what to do. I immediately got in touch with the Borough Council’s Zone team to sort her out a food bank voucher for the next day and, because she is a council tenant, I emailed the Financial Inclusion Officer of Colchester Borough Homes (CBH) to make contact with her urgently. The foodbank voucher duly arrived and I also sought help from the wonderful community of nuns we have in Greenstead (The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre) to see if they could assist which they duly did. My constituent was therefore sorted out for a few days but then she found out the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) would not, as they had indicated, bring forward her Universal Credit payments from monthly to fortnightly which meant she had another two weeks without any money. I got back in touch with the Financial Inclusion Officer at CBH and we were racking our brains as to how we could find further assistance. We were stumped. I got in touch with some charities but they
could only offer advice not money or food which is really what was needed. I do not judge. I do not ask why or how the situation has arisen especially when somebody needs immediate help. I put her back in touch with the nuns and put my faith in them combined with hopes and prayers. I am afraid this is what the Conservative Government has created with their austerity programme and the botched rollout of Universal Credit which is now so reviled that it needs to be scrapped and replaced. It has resulted in real, absolute, grinding poverty for some people which, to me, is unacceptable in what is still one of the richest countries in the world. A country where, on the one hand, there is great affluence and wealth and, on the other, people relying on foodbanks, charity and handouts. It can’t be right. Child poverty and homelessness is increasing while at the same time the very richest and big corporations are benefitting from tax cuts. Surely you don’t have to be a socialist to realise that can’t be right. Inequality is rife and Beveridge’s five evils of want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness are firmly back on the agenda 75 years after his groundbreaking report. He must be turning in his grave. I have been turning this all over in my head a lot over the last couple of weeks even when I was sat in court accompanying another constituent who was going to be evicted because of non-payment of rent (she is awaiting a Personal Independence Payment assessment). I managed to persuade the Judge to suspend the eviction until the assessment has been done. It’s my job to assist my constituents but you expect help from the government not measures that make it harder for the poorest and most vulnerable in society. This is the really important stuff which, I hope, electors will think about when they go to the polls in the local elections on May 2nd.
Castle Park boating lake to undergo repairs Colchester Borough Council recently drained the boating lake in Castle Park for routine cleaning and maintenance. Colchester Borough Council recently drained the boating lake in Castle Park for routine cleaning and maintenance. During this process it has been discovered that the inlet pipe is damaged and a
camera survey has shown this is due to tree roots. The boating lake has not been refilled due to the damaged pipe. The council is currently seeking estimates to repair the pipe, which will require it to be excavated and replaced, as well as investigating alternative options for emptying and refilling the boating lake in the future.
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SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 prophetic. 6 camel. 9 sleeping partner. 10 rift. 11 bebop. 12 hymn. 15 summery. 16 sell-out. 17 all-over. 19 console. 20 leaf. 21 Asian. 22 odes. 26 whistle-stop tour. 27 doyen. 28 sincerely. DOWN: 1 poser. 2 over-familiarity. 3 hope. 4 tannery. 5 copious. 6 curt. 7 money for old rope. 8 lorgnette. 13 serve. 14 flank. 15 swallowed. 18 rashers. 19 chasten. 23 spray. 24 Stan. 25 épée.
New recycling calendar Explore and enjoy Colchester Castle in a relaxed setting and changes agreed Colchester Borough Council is sending out the new 2019/20 Recycling Calendar to residents across the borough.
Colchester Borough Council is also urging retailers and producers to stop manufacturing these kinds of plastics and use alternatives.
Colchester Borough Council is sending out the new 2019/20 Recycling Calendar to residents across the borough with their annual Council Tax bill and has also agreed two changes to the recycling service which will be introduced over the coming months.
Many of these items are single-use plastics where more sustainable alternatives such as reusable bags and containers are available. Last year the Council launched its Colchester Plastic Pledge campaign to encourage residents and local businesses to be more plastic aware and commit to reducing their use/ supply of single-use plastics which are damaging to the environment. The Council is continuing to actively reach out to and work with local organisations to encourage them to offer residents and their customers, reusable and more environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.
Residents who have signed up for paperless bills, will receive their 201920 recycling calendar electronically, whilst other households with a kerbside collection will receive a paper copy printed on recycled paper and using vegetable oil based inks, with audio and braille copies available on request. The calendar sets out the schedule of all collections between 1 April 2019 and the end of March 2020, including collections over the Christmas and New Year period. The calendar also provides tips and advice on what items can and can’t be recycled, including food waste, paper/cardboard, plastics, textiles, glass, cans and tins and garden waste, alongside which container or bag to use and residents are asked to familiarise themselves with this information. Following a decision at Colchester Borough Council’s Cabinet meeting on 13 March, two further changes to the Council’s recycling service will now also be introduced in the coming months. The first of the changes agreed is to introduce a downloadable voucher system for all replacement recycling containers, not just garden waste sacks from May 2019. The second change agreed at last night’s Cabinet is that residents will now be asked to put any plastic bags, film and wraps in their black bins/ bags rather than their recycling. The reason being that zero demand exists for these plastics and they also cannot be recycled. The majority of councils do not collect these plastics with other recycling and market conditions dictates what can be recycled. These items are also not accepted at Essex County Council’s Recycling Centres in the borough at Shrub End and West Mersea.
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The three black bag limit for households will not be increased as a result of these change as these types of plastics will not add any significant extra volume to household rubbish. Based on current collections in the borough, calculations show that on average households will have an extra 8 grams of material for each black bag/bin per collection which is less than the weight of a tablespoon of sugar. Clear recycling bags containing any of these plastic items will still be collected but with the residents knowledge that these will be removed and sent to landfill rather than recycled. Councillor Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “We really appreciate the effort that residents put in to recycling and the fact that the borough had the third largest increase in household recycling rates in 2017-18 in England, demonstrates that. Those who would like to know more about the plastic changes can find a frequently asked questions section on our website at www.colchester.gov. uk/plastics. Residents can also visit www.colchester.gov.uk/recycling to download their recycling calendar, look up their collection day, find out whether they are on a Blue or Green Week, what should go out that week and what can and can’t be recycled and report a missed collection.
The relaxed sessions are specifically designed to make the large museum space a less challenging space for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Colchester Castle’s next relaxed opening session will take place on Sunday 7 April, 2019. The Castle’s new relaxed sessions are specifically designed to make the large museum space a less challenging space for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder – although many more people may simply enjoy a quieter and more relaxed environment in which to enjoy the Castle’s collections. During the session, which will run from 10-12pm, sensory stimulations will be kept to a minimum across the museum’s galleries, including all audio and visuals, the automatic doors at the entrance, hand dryers in the toilets and vending machines, which will all be disabled for the duration of the session. Colchester Castle is committed to creating a more calming and welcoming atmosphere for its visitors and will be creating a calm seating area in the entrance to the Crypt and
a sensory area in the Lucas Vault, for visitors to take a quiet break. As a supporter of Autism Awareness Week, which takes place nationally from the 1-7 April, the Castle plans to continue to run these relaxed sessions on the first Sunday of every month. The relaxed sessions also support the aims of livewell Colchester, a campaign which helps to support Colchester residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Normal admission charges will apply for the relaxed sessions and concessions will be available to families eligible for Pupil Premium (£2 per child). Each session will have a maximum of 60 people.
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