Issue 61
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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What’s new at Colchester Zoo!
White rhino calf Lottie gets to know her neighbours! Since being born on the 4th January Colchester Zoo’s young female White rhino calf Lottie has gone from strength to strength!
During the winter weather she has enjoyed the chance to run through the muddy puddles as well as learning how to wallow from mum Emily. Lottie also has been inquisitive, getting up close to her new neighbours and learning which of them like to play with her and who prefers not to play! Lottie and Emily will gradually spend more time outside and once Lottie is a little bigger, she will be introduced to dad Otto and our giraffe. It also won’t be long before Lottie has a play mate with the zoo’s other female Astrid, expecting later in the year.
at Colchester Zoo, so they were very pleased to welcome the new arrival. Gomez was just over 5 months old when he arrived, and he is settling in well and is enjoying his new home. He has a great character and loves having a tickle from the Animal Care Team who all adore him! Armadillo is a Spanish word meaning “little armoured one” and refers to the thick
bony plates, which cover their head and body. Gomez will not be visible to the public at all times however he will be available to meet and learn more about as part of the zoo’s Sensation Station encounters. For more information on the new arrivals and to book E-tickets online visit www.colchesterzoo.org
Meet Gomez the zoo’s hairy but adorable new arrival! on the 22nd January, Gomez the Large hairy armadillo arrived at Colchester Zoo! This is the first time in many years that this species has been housed
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01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS
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Issue 62: 27/02/20 Issue 63: 25/03/20
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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River level to lower for weir repairs The water level in the River Colne from Middle Mill to Spring Lane will be reduced for one day whilst Colchester Borough Council safely carries out essential repairs and maintenance to the weir gates at Middle Mill in Castle Park, this spring. The repairs to the weir, which is owned by Colchester Borough Council, include replacing a broken winding cable and carrying out general maintenance works. To access the weir safely, the water level upstream must be lowered. The timeliness of this work is important and following advice from the Environment Agency about when the best time of year is to carry out the works to minimise the impact on wildlife, the works will go ahead over the coming weeks. Once the work is complete, the weir gates can be closed to prevent the river running dry in the summer. As part of the Great British Spring Clean, the Council’s Neighbourhood Services will be taking advantage of the lowered river level and where it is safe to do so, will remove rubbish from the river. For safety reasons, members of the public are advised not to enter
Quick Crossword Puzzle
the river or attempt to remove any rubbish from it themselves. The work is weather-dependent and is currently likely to take place in early March. There will signage along the stretch of river affected advising the public of the works taking place. Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said “These repair works are essential to ensuring the river level is stable throughout the year and supports the local wildlife and environment. “Whilst the river level will be lower on the day of the works, the level should be restored within a few days. If the repairs aren’t carried out, the river would run dry in the summer which would have a devastating impact on the local environment. “We will also take full advantage of the lower river level and where we’re able to remove any rubbish, which will improve the river and enhance the environment too.”
ACROSS 1 Adorn the platform (4) 3 Diana’s touring severe regions (9) 9 Kelvin abandons fortunate girl (4) 10 Best end of lamb with inedible coating (10) 12 Non-professionals in area must struggle (8) 13 Alternatively, agreement could be a nightmare (6) 14 Cobra contorts flexibly around one different snake (3-11) 18 How a British comedy drama is presented? (14) 20 Without hesitation train for duty (6) 22 Prosperous, with source of oil on the agenda (4-2-2) 24 Egalitarian comic rated badly (10) 25 Collection of myths is somewhat dated, darling (4) 26 California is not so perfect! (9) 27 Cart needs ro reverse three feet (4) DOWN 1 Daughter is on a roll, changing currency (6) 2 Dead chuffed to give bird a ring (4-1-4) 4 Not knowing or caring, one messed up (9) 5 Supports for flower (4) 6 I’m in eternal bother, chiefly – put another way it’s endless (12) 7 Submit story about bishop (5) 8 Cleared off to make a statement (7) 11 Artistic style, one wrongly associated with Mozart’s type of music (12) 15 Attempts to go round posh French island, a feature of Paris (9) 16 Unreasonable request by Watutsi monks? (4,5) 17 A tiresome chore, removing Ned’s cigarette butts (3,4) 19 Italian meets unknown gypsy (6) 21 Butterfly makes mark on the page (5) 23 Listen to man in armour (4) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 deck. 3 districts. 9 Lucy. 10 unbeatable. 12 amateurs. 13 ordeal. 14 boa-constrictor. 18 alphabetically. 20 excise. 22 well-to-do. 24 democratic. 25 Edda. 26 faultless. 27 dray. DOWN: 1 dollar. 2 cock-a-hoop. 4 ignorance. 5 tees. 6 interminable. 7 table. 8 declare. 11 neoclassical. 15 Tuileries. 16 tall order. 17 fag-ends. 19 Romany. 21 comma. 23 mail.
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Council cuts down on plastic Last year, following warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the council became one of the first local authorities to declare a climate emergency. This commits the borough to be net carbon zero by 2030 and to plant 200,000 trees. As part of the commitment, the council’s buildings and services continue to reduce single-use plastic where possible. Leisure World has phased out 13,000 non-recyclable straws a year; 37,000 plastic products from coffee and food sales; 1,500 milk cartons, and only serves plastic water which is made from 100% recycled material. As of March 2020, it will also introduce Vegware Slush Puppies cups, replacing 10,000 plastic cups. Colchester Museums have begun to use a sustainable paper-based ecofriendly alternative for exhibitions. Staff also encourage visitors to recycle their Castle maps when they leave the museum. Other council buildings (including the Town Hall) have transferred from plastic to paper cups and changed
coffee machines so staff and visitors can use their own mugs – removing 40,000 single-use cups since 2018. Colchester Borough Council is also the lead authority for the North Essex Parking Partnership, which replaced its single-use plastic Penalty Charge Notice pockets with a biodegradable alternative, in July. Since then 50,000 biodegradable pockets have been issued across north Essex. Councillor David King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, said: “Plastics pollute and litter our streets and countryside and poison marine and animal life.
overall in England and Wales. This is a great achievement, but I am mindful that many issues still surround our environment. “We are supporting a host of initiatives to enhance the environment, including becoming
carbon neutral by 2030, developing renewable energy, planting 200,000 trees, minimising waste and reducing the borough’s carbon footprint and emissions.”
“I am proud the council is setting an example and significantly reducing its reliance on single-use plastic. That’s a great step in the right direction, but we all have much more to do. I call on residents and businesses to act now, wherever they can, and stop using avoidable plastics.” Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, added: “Last year, Friends of the Earth ranked Colchester as joint top climatefriendly area in the East and third
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Trees for Years event a huge success Queues began forming from 8am, with the first plants being given away just before 10am. The most popular plants were fruit bushes, Lavender, Goat Willow and Red and Yellow Dogwoods. “In the time it has been running, well over 35,000 trees and fruit bushes have been planted throughout the borough.”
A Colchester Borough Council spokesperson said: “The 14th Trees for Years event was a huge success, with all the plants given away before 2pm. A total of 10,000 trees and shrubs were handed out to just under 2,000 people who attended the event – 80% of them residents with the remainder representing schools, parish councils and local community groups.
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Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “It was great to see so many people grab the chance to brighten up their gardens, allotments and communities with a free tree, shrub or fruit bush. “This year’s Trees for Years giveaway was our biggest yet, with more than 10,000 plants on offer as part of the Colchester Woodland Project. “The huge excitement surrounding the event shows just how much
the project has caught the public’s imagination and inspired both young and old alike to help tackle the Climate Emergency. It continues to prove that Colchester residents share our commitment to create a Better Colchester and an even greener place to live. “I’d like to thank idVerde for continuing to sponsor the scheme and for their generous donation of such a wonderful variety of trees and shrubs.”
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Colchester Creative Events Fund announce successful applicants
Entry to St John’s Car Park unavailable during road closure
Successful applicants to Colchester Borough Council’s (CBC) Creative Events Fund have been announced.
Access to St John’s Car Park in Colchester will be affected by the closure of Southway’s east bound carriageway which is scheduled to take place between 9am and 3pm on Sunday 1 March.
St John’s car park is a popular car park at weekends, so are keen to let motorists know in advance that the entrance will be unavailable from 9am until 3pm on 1 March, but the exit will remain open.
During these times, there will be no vehicular access to the car park entrance, however the exit will remain open as usual.
“We would encourage motorists to either arrive at the car park before 9am or after 3pm that day, or use one of our other town centre car parks, like Britannia, which has a fantastic Sunday parking offer”.
The Fund aims to support and grow creative events happening across the borough between the 1 May 2020 and 30 April 2021. The Fund proved extremely successful and attracted more than 30 applications from a variety of groups and individuals across the Borough, covering the full spectrum of creative endeavour from music, theatre and art to creative writing, photography and the digital arts. The £20,000 in available funding is to be split between 24 successful projects after a panel discussion led by Cllr Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council. The diverse projects chosen show the depth and range of creativity across our communities.
All successful projects had to demonstrate they would be deliverable and meet at least two of the following criteria; • Deliver high-quality cultural experiences to local audiences • Develop and showcase local artistic talent • Encourage visitors to the borough • Celebrate local communities Consideration was also given to ensuring support for a spread of events across the Borough; across a wide range of art forms and activity and aiming to attract as wide and diverse an audience as possible for the funding available. A full list of successful projects follows.
During these times alternative parking is available at any of Colchester Borough Council’s other town centre car parks, including Britannia, where motorists can park from 6am to 6pm all day on a Sunday for just £1. Councillor Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “We know that
More information on Colchester’s great value car parks and hassle-free cashless payment options is available at www.colchester.gov.uk/parking The closure of the east bound carriageway of Southway is taking place to allow Essex County Council to carry out resurfacing works. For further information, visit roadworks.org
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Quick Crossword Puzzle New Recycling Calendar Colchester Borough Council will soon be sending its new 2020/21 recycling calendar to households across the borough, together with their Council Tax bill. Residents who have signed up for paperless bills, will receive their 202021 recycling calendar digitally, whilst other households with a kerbside collection will receive a paper copy printed on recycled paper and using vegetable oil-based inks. Audio copies will be accessible on the Council’s website and braille copies available on request. The calendar sets out the schedule of all collections between 1 April 2020 and the end of March 2021, including collections over the Christmas and New Year period. The calendar also provides advice on what items can be recycled through kerbside collections, which containers or bags to use and how to put rubbish and recycling out for collection.
ACROSS 1 A blow for British politician touring university (4) 3 A heavyweight returns to fight for nothing (3,1,5) 9 Grew a plant (4) 10 One won’t have joint or Ecstasy, averting a problem (10) 12 Long suffering Liberal takes the lead (8) 13 Eating out (6) 14 Get angry response to endless mêleé for a change (4,4,6) 18 PC way of meeting people (8,6) 20 Sheen produces different result (6) 22 Fellow gets beating for exposing himself (8) 24 Dark suit needed for these places of entertainment (10) 25 Clergyman won’t start soon (4) 26 Regulators would have done this at Walthamstow? (9) 27 Boast by supporter beginning to grate (4)
The calendar also shows there will be no changes to collection days over Easter, including Good Friday or any other bank holidays including that taking place on Friday 8 May 2020.
There are also only two collection day changes over the Christmas and New Year period. Councillor Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Residents are continuing to do a great job of recycling and the borough’s recycling rates are continuing to rise with a current recycling rate of 54.6% for 2019-20. “We’re keen to help the environment and support recycling by making recycling at the kerbside as easy as possible and the calendar is a great tool to help households with their collections.” Residents can also visit www. colchester.gov.uk/recycling at any time and 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 cannot be recycled and report a missed collection.
DOWN 1 Only just how naturists live? (6) 2 Heard teacher in class is to give incorrect details (9) 4 Respect obtained by wayward niece with ASBO (9) 5 With potential, say, to be murder victim (4) 6 Recital isn’t arranged on time for musician (12) 7 Foreign article contains untruth (5) 8 Unusual icon in urn depicting legendary beast (7) 11 Administrative leaders of British union shown by funny caricature (12) 15 Burden unpleasant woman with some riding gear (9) 16 Elderly person in boarding house meeting Royal (9) 17 One country or another with sea, we hear, not river (7) 19 Travelled back taking horse for a drink (6) 21 Athenian’s introduction to Socrates? (5) 23 Cold boy gets dressed (4)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 bump. 3 not a scrap. 9 rose. 10 vegetarian. 12 languish. 13 picnic. 14 lose one’s temper. 18 computer dating. 20 lustre. 22 flashing. 24 night-clubs. 25 anon. 26 watch-dogs. 27 brag. DOWN: 1 barely. 2 misinform. 4 obeisance. 5 Abel. 6 clarinettist. 7 alien. 8 unicorn. 11 bureaucratic. 15 saddle-bag. 16 pensioner. 17 Iceland. 19 eggnog. 21 sigma. 23 clad.
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Will you join the Great British Spring Clean? This spring, Keep Britain Tidy is calling on Litter Heroes and schools across the borough to help improve the environment on their doorstep by taking part in the Great British Spring Clean 2020. Running from 20 March to 13 April, the Great British Spring Clean is organised nationally by Keep Britain Tidy and supported locally by Colchester Borough Council. 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. Colchester Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services team will then collect these bags to ensure that they are recycled appropriately. They can also support your litter pick by providing you with bags, hi-vis jackets and loan you litter pickers,
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including extra-long ones for those tricky spots, smaller ones for children and ones specifically designed for use on beaches. Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “Like most people, I simply cannot understand why people drop litter in the first place. One thing we do know though, is that litter tends to attract more litter, so the sooner it is cleared up the better. The council cannot be everywhere, so it is vital that we act in partnership with local groups, parish councils, schools and businesses to keep our borough clean.” Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “I encourage all residents to take part and enjoy the day – it’s such a great way to teach young family members about caring for the environment too. “Residents who would like to make a regular difference to their local area can also sign up to become Litter Warriors. In groups of up to 20 friends, family or neighbours, Litter Warrior’s pledge 16-hours per month to keep their community spick and span. Together we can make a difference
and clean up the environment on our doorstep for a Better Colchester.” To find out more or to register your ‘clean up’ head to Keep Britain Tidy’s website www.keepbritaintidy.org/ get-involved/support-our-campaigns/ great-british-spring-clean Those
that would like bags delivered and collected by our Neighbourhood Services team, or borrow litter pickers or hi-vis jackets will need to contact communities@colchester.gov.uk. Find out more about Litter Warriors at www.colchester.gov.uk/litterwarriors
£500,000 to tackle domestic abuse
Under the scheme the five councils, Next Chapter and Open Road will work together to: • continue to support women who have complex issues like addiction to alcohol or drugs in addition to homelessness to ensure they get the support they need after suffering domestic abuse • ensure women with mental health issues arising from the abuse they have experienced, and/or barriers related to disability, sexuality, age, ethnicity or immigration status are referred to specialist support services • ensure women and their children not living in refuge accommodation can access and benefit from specialist, person-centred, trauma informed domestic abuse support services • continue to provide secure safe accommodation and access to support services for women and their children seeking to live independently after suffering domestic violence • support the improvement of women and their children’s health, wellbeing and quality of life for a successful future and avoiding further domestic abuse The funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) follows a successful bid led by Colchester Borough Council and will support the project through to March 2021. Colchester and Tendring have the highest numbers of victims of domestic violence in Essex. The reported incidents have risen significantly across Essex having more than doubled from 12,780 in 2015/16 to 26,030 in 2018/19. The comparative figures from April to December have risen from 18,454 incidents in 2018/19 to 21,929 incidents in 2019/20. Over the last two years, Next Chapter has supported more than 1,800 women in the community and over 180 women and 220 children in the refuge itself. For the same period, they have been unable to accommodate
over 295 women and 280 children due to lack of bed-spaces. Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “While domestic violence can happen to both men and women, the statistics show that women are at significantly greater risk, with one woman in four experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes and four times more women than men were killed by their partner or ex-partner. “I am delighted that we have received this funding which will enable us to build on the support available across Colchester, Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon and Tendring. It not only supports the ambition of a Better Colchester, but also a better life for any woman and her children in the area suffering domestic violence.” Lorna Preece, Refuge Accommodation & Complex Needs Manager and Jocelyn Van Bruggen, Children and Young Persons Service Manager at Next Chapter, said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded these vital funds to enable us to expand our life-saving services and continue our successful partnership working with the five local councils involved in the bid. “We are also excited that the additional funding will enable us to continue providing services for women with complex and multiple needs, who, for too-long have been denied the vital support they need by virtue of their complex-needs. Working with Open Road, the drug & alcohol charity based in Colchester, the award will allow us to continue to fund specialist drug and alcohol services, targeting support for women historically hidden from services and from hard to reach communities.
“Importantly, this new funding will enable us to provide specialist support for children and young people within the family who often live with hidden harm. By providing an integrated approach we can help our families recover and heal together to bring about sustainable change.
“We know that these services will make a lasting change to the lives of women and children in Colchester, Chelmsford, Tendring, Braintree and Maldon and provide them with the life-changing opportunity of a life free from domestic abuse.”
ACROSS 1 Hot on health, Uri could be sanctimonious (6-4-4) 9 Earns roughly a pound for the team (7) 10 One responsible for hospital cuts? (7) 11 Dines on lamb and beef, perhaps, but no starter (4) 12 Passage is a tissue of lies (5) 13 See daughter at opening of exhibition (4) 16 Awful ordeal involving Penny’s cat (7) 17 Hemingway for example is said to be serious (7) 18 British equestrian sport is stimulating (7) 21 Very full, having bolted a stew (7) 23 Doctor I perceive at first as ineffectual type (4) 24 I wander back to find New Zealander (5) 25 One who ruled in bygone Rome (4) 28 Not good to move out the country, an Islamic one (7) 29 I’m following Milan team for the meantime (7) 30 Ben hid tatty newspaper that’s out of date (6,3,5) DOWN 1 Stars and models have them? (8,6) 2 So hotel failed in African country (7) 3 English cricket side initially stagnated for ages (4) 4 Agreed everyone’s bound to go outside (7) 5 Jack’s new love is free from blame (7) 6 Sounds like rush or weed (4) 7 What 10 Across does for work (7) 8 Quotes could provide varied comments (8,6) 14 First off, wrongly naming street urchin (5) 15 Think anxiously of offspring (5) 19 Annie is foolishly idiotic (7) 20 Leader of Indian state gives permission to proceed (2-5) 21 To polish with running water is hard (7) 22 Those people will accept alternative energy principle (7) 26 One boy raised by painter (4) 27 A flier is up to no good (2,2) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 holier-than-thou. 9 arsenal. 10 surgeon. 11 eats. 12 aisle. 13 date. 16 leopard. 17 earnest. 18 bracing. 21 bloated. 23 drip. 24 Maori. 25 Nero. 28 emirate. 29 interim. 30 behind the times. DOWN: 1 heavenly bodies. 2 Lesotho. 3 eons. 4 tallied. 5 absolve. 6 tare. 7 operate. 8 inverted commas. 14 gamin. 15 brood. 19 asinine. 20 go-ahead. 21 burnish. 22 theorem. 26 dali. 27 at it.
Women from the borough, city and districts of Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon and Tendring will be able to get the specialist support they need to escape domestic violence, under a successful partnership that has been awarded over £500,000 in Government funding.
Quick Crossword Puzzle
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Lighting up Colchester Castle
Second mural by local artist unveiled
As part of its commitment for a Better Colchester, Colchester Borough Council has lit up the Castle to celebrate and showcase the town’s rich heritage for residents and visitors.
the key parts of our Better Colchester campaign are to make Colchester even more welcoming and to celebrate our heritage.
Colchester Borough Council is pleased to unveil the second mural in St Mary’s multi-storey car park, in Colchester, celebrating the town’s amazing history.
“The permanent lighting after dark of both the castle and a section of the oldest town wall in Britain is a fantastic way to celebrate and showcase our wonderful heritage. I hope residents and visitors enjoy seeing them highlighted in this way.”
The first mural was unveiled in October 2018 and the second mural, which spans the south stairwell of the car park, has been painted for free by the same local artist (who does not wish to be named). This time, the artist has taken inspiration from Colchester’s Roman history and the mural includes Roman Soldiers and gladiators.
On Friday 7 February, the installation of new LED colour-changing lighting was completed, improving the lighting of Colchester Castle after dark and showcasing the largest Norman keep in Europe in all its glory. From March, plans to light a section of Colchester’s Roman Wall on a permanent basis will also go live. The council will be lighting a 30-metre stretch of the wall, extending to the south of Balkerne Gate. It will be lit from dusk until 11pm each night. This permanent lighting scheme, which has been approved by Historic England, also uses LED lighting. Both schemes have been undertaken in conjunction with Universal Stone Ltd. Cllr Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Some of
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Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, added: “We have listened, and we are committed to celebrating our heritage by making projects such as this possible. “These lighting schemes exhibit two stunning pieces of heritage lit up after dark. This, along with other projects, really is making a Better Colchester for residents, visitors and businesses.” The Better Colchester campaign sets out to make Colchester an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.
These murals were painted to celebrate Colchester’s Roman heritage and history. They took about five months to complete, as the artist worked on a voluntary basis late in the evenings, with the support of Colchester Council. The artist spent many hours researching the town’s history and drawing sketches, before completing the final designs. The mural artist said: “The mural focuses on the Roman presence in Colchester, which was their biggest settlement at the time, around 49 BC. Their influence had a significant
impact on the town, and many remains can still be observed today such as the famous Roman wall, some of which is located just across the road from this car park. “The main challenge was to try to represent the diverse aspects of Roman life, arts and traditions, such as chariot racing, gladiatorial combats, and the art of mosaics. I tried to use familiar, recognisable images such as the eagle, Roman soldiers and gladiators. Finally, I added olive branches, grapes, an orange tree and the iconic cypress trees to add a Mediterranean touch.” The murals are part of a series of improvement works for St Mary’s and St John’s Car Parks that has taken place, including improved LED lighting, new painted steel window frames and work to close off spaces under stairwells to turn them into solid walls – in both car parks. These works have been funded as part of the Better Colchester campaign which sets out to make Colchester an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.
Reassurances made to councillors over budget figures
Points raised during the meeting of the Full Council on 13 February, regarding several discrepancies with financial figures, have been acknowledged and clarified by the council’s Section 151 officer after the budget was formally approved. Members have since received assurances that the matters raised were to do with the rounding up of some numbers and minor mistyped figures but were not a material factor in the budget debate and none of the issues affect the correctness of
the budget resolution. The revenue budget, as presented to and formally approved by Full Council, was therefore correct. Cllr David King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, said: “I welcome the independent confirmation that the figures in this year’s revenue budget present an accurate picture of our spending plans. “I also welcome the interest of members in both the budget detail and in our spending and improvement plans for Colchester. I look forward to their further views as our plans are refined and as additional amendments are made to the budget.”
Successful first Town Assembly held to support move to unlock town’s economic potential The first Colchester Town Assembly was held yesterday (Wednesday) as part of developing the We Are Colchester programme to create a long-term vision for unlocking more jobs and prosperity for the town. Around 40 people attended the event at the Moot Hall which gave a range of local people the opportunity to find out about the new We Are Colchester partnership, launched last month, which involves public, private and voluntary organisations. The partnership is drawing up a wideranging and forward-thinking vision 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. At last night’s event people also had the chance to share their initial thoughts and ideas that – together with the results of the recent public survey which had nearly 300 responses - will help shape a Town Investment Plan. This plan will be used to bid for up to £25 million from the Government’s
Town Fund, with Colchester being one of 100 areas across the country given the opportunity to bid for money from this fund. It will also be used to seek to lever in funding from other sources to help turn the agreed vision into reality. Simon Blaxill, the Chair of We Are Colchester, said: “Colchester is a rich and vibrant place – but there is so much more we can do with everyone working together to further unlock our economic potential for the benefit of everyone living and working in the borough. “Last night’s event gave us a great opportunity to bring people from a wide range of backgrounds across the borough together to give us a broad range of local views. “We will be looking to run more of these assembly events as the plan develops to ensure we have an approach that enables us to develop every opportunity supporting our future prosperity and job creation.”
ACROSS 1 Attempt to go after friend is worthless (6) 4 It’s a blue shift, and appropriate (8) 9 Perhaps Caesar heard of royal dynasty (7) 11 Senior member performed, restraining desire (7) 12 Animal returned for grass (4) 13 Races off in alarm (5) 14 Staff morale’s initially excellent (4) 17 Disgraced boxer may be found here? (2,3,8) 19 Pleasant chief is upset by insult (4,2,3,4) 22 Captain found in America habitually (4) 23 Southern island offers diving (5) 24 Right time for anger (4) 27 I am finished with old way of painting (7) 28 English bird on a lake is unchanging (7) 29 Film director achieves success, acquiring second franchise finally (8) 30 Newspaper boss tried zero changes (6 DOWN 1 Picture of parrot ruined it (8) 2 Constant unit of brightness? (7) 3 Smuggled dollars chiefly and another currency (4) 5 But leader then goes off to get very drunk (5,3,5) 6 Starts to think of yearly Shakespeare plays (4) 7 Pop group takes a long time to wrap up (7) 8 French pupil joins northern team (6) 10 Award for winner getting first clue in this puzzle? (8,5) 15 Vehicle carrying Ed Wood (5) 16 Poet establishing university in port (5) 18 Be derisive about healthy retailer (8) 19 Fluid for cleaning locks (7) 20 Opposed to renovation of Santiago mostly (7) 21 One bear’s suffering from disease (6) 25 Goddess lives twice (4) 26 It’s crazy taking drug with alcoholic drink (4) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 paltry. 4 suitable. 9 Romanov. 11 doyenne. 12 reed. 13 scare. 14 mace. 17 in the doghouse. 19 slap in the face. 22 Ahab. 23 scuba. 24 rage. 27 impasto. 28 eternal. 29 Scorsese. 30 editor. DOWN: 1 portrait. 2 lambert. 3 rand. 5 under the table. 6 toys. 7 bandage. 8 eleven. 10 Victoria Cross. 15 cedar. 16 Auden. 18 jeweller. 19 shampoo. 20 against. 21 rabies. 25 Isis. 26 mead.
Concerns about the numerical accuracy of Colchester Borough Council’s 2020-21 budget have been addressed in a letter sent to councillors.
Quick Crossword Puzzle
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