Issue 57
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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Colchester Labour Party News It’s a real will there, won’t there situation isn’t it? I’m talking about a General Election of course. The new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, wanted one on Cllr Tim Young his own terms but Parliament wasn’t playing ball. Some Tory grandees are now no longer Conservative MPs and a small number of renegades have joined the Liberal Democrats. As we enter the Party Conference season politics keeps getting more and more fascinating and more and more unpredictable. The Speaker, John Bercow, has announced his intention to stand down from his position and resign as an MP which rather scuppered the Tories’ decision to stand against him in his Buckingham constituency at the General Election. This would have gone against tradition as, normally, the main parties don’t stand against the Speaker. At the 2017 General Election, for instance, Speaker Bercow received over 65% of the vote against his Green, Independent and UKIP opponents. The fact is he has royally cheesed off the Tory government by standing up for parliament against the power of the executive. John Bercow does, of course, have a local connection being
an alumnus of the University of Essex and is currently the Chancellor of that very body. If you want my opinion then I reckon there will be a General Election this side of Christmas but, if you ask my colleague, Cllr Adam Fox, he doesn’t think there’ll be an election this year or even next year! Politics eh? It’s all a matter of opinion. As for Colchester we know it’s going to be a battle royal ostensibly between Labour and the Tories especially if you look at the result at the last General Election where we made huge strides and reduced Will Quince’s majority to around 5500 pushing the LIbDems into a poor third place with less than half the vote that Labour achieved. It should be a fascinating contest and I will be giving my full backing and support to Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate, Tina McKay, who has shown real commitment by giving up her job to campaign full time. We’re out on the streets every week putting Labour’s case for an end to austerity and to sort out the Tory Brexit mess. There is so much to admire in Britain’s First City which becomes obvious when we have Heritage Open Days. Colchester Castle was free to enter plus a whole host of hidden treasures like Holy Trinity Church, St Mary’s at the Walls (now more commonly known as Colchester Arts Centre),
Bourne Mill, St Helen’s Chapel and many, many others. It’s a real annual treat which shows off our historic Borough and all it has to offer. Talking of the Castle I saw a wonderful production called The Gift which was an outdoor promenade piece of
theatre with our wonderful Norman Keep as the backdrop and the subject matter. It was beautifully written, designed and acted. Congratulations to all those involved. Further productions are planned for the future.
Revamped climbing facilities at Leisure World Tiptree Leisure World Tiptree is excited to announce that four new auto belay systems have been installed for the indoor climbing wall, following a successful Sport England Small Grant bid of £8,872. The new auto belays will take up the slack as a climber ascends the wall without the need of someone else to belay for them. The automatic belays, which were professionally installed and tested by High Time Technical Consultants LTD, will also catch a climber and slowly lower them to the ground if they fall. Customers and pupils from Thurstable School have already begun to enjoy the benefits, following private sessions. To compliment these exciting new pieces of equipment, a new climbing membership option will be available to customers wanting to get even more value for their money. The new auto belays will also play a part in changes coming to the parties offered at Leisure World Tiptree, with climbing parties added to the options for children. Cllr Theresa Higgins, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for
Commercial Services, said: “The new auto belays are a fantastic addition to Leisure World Tiptree’s already excellent facilities. The climbing wall will now be more accessible to more people, clubs and organisations. I would encourage anyone interested to take advantage of the new equipment and to enjoy the climbing wall.” Alastair Woodcock, Director of Sport at Thurstable School, said “I am delighted to have been working with Colchester Borough Council to get the auto belay systems installed. The pupils at Thurstable use the wall to improve their fitness, develop their teamwork, and enjoy the mental challenges that climbing brings. We are looking forward to using the new belay devices when we return in September.” A public Opening Ceremony for the new equipment was held on 18 September 2019, where residents and visitors tried out the new equipment before becoming a member. Visit www.colchesterleisureworld. co.uk/tiptree for more information on the Opening Ceremony and Leisure World Tiptree. Constables working in your communities.
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 58: 14/10/19 Issue 59: 14/11/19
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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A mighty Roman sleepover!
Enjoy a mighty Roman sleepover at Europe’s largest Norman keep this October. Embrace Colchester Castle’s rich history and heritage, by enjoying a rather special sleepover experience. Spend the night at the Castle on Saturday 26 October and enjoy the best Roman-themed sleepover you’ll ever have! Enjoy a tour of the vaults with a costumed guide, make a mosaic coaster and enjoy bingo with a Roman twist! When it comes to settling down for the night, enjoy a mug of comforting hot chocolate and for when you wake up, a light breakfast will be provided.
Quick Crossword Puzzle
Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “This is a truly unique experience to enjoy one of the country’s most historic buildings after hours. Get together with friends and family and enjoy this unforgettable experience. The team are looking forward to welcoming you.” Numbers are strictly limited, so please call 01206 282 941 to secure your place. Cost £35 per person. Keep up to date with news and information by following @ ColMuseums on social media.
ACROSS 3 American backs man in Arab country (5) 8 Son is engrossed in magazine with cartoonsrelating to space (6) 9 Speaker is to sponsor a Tory partly (6) 10 A southern island associated with a large land mass (4) 11 A fan of Di Canio, a deviant (10) 12 Bus carrying Polish back from area outside the city (6) 13 Nun, one I’d upset making suggestive comment (8) 16 Crooked general poisoned senior citizen (3-3,9) 18 Dicky learned about very fragrant plant (8) 21 The wife is to lament you and I being absent (6) 23 Ownership of property (10) 25 I had emptied lorry in a lazy manner (4) 26 Trisha could be a goddess (6) 27 Acquiring English silver, ran for president (6) 28 Poem, say, set in cathedral city (5) DOWN 1 Island providing no hush unfortunately (6) 2 Flawless description of Jesus’s conception (10) 3 Game starts to stir Chelsea mob (8) 4 The exact thing (8,7) 5 Idea is unacceptable, one accepted (6) 6 Pub by new farm building (4) 7 Did origami and went bankrupt (6) 12 Head of school’s to intimidate student with threatening look (5) 14 Self-centred social tiger almost comes a cropper (10) 15 Head off from dance with Iris (5) 17 Theological college gives tutorial at start of year (8) 19 Stir up a riot, chiefly by river (6) 20 Lust for some French passion (6) 22 A French boy goes round old dump (6) 24 Chris finally had a meal to satisfy appetite fully (4)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3 Sudan. 8 cosmic. 9 orator. 10 Asia. 11 aficionado. 12 suburb. 13 innuendo. 16 old-age pensioner. 18 lavender. 21 missus. 23 possession. 25 idly. 26 Ishtar. 27 Reagan. 28 elegy. DOWN: 1 Honshu. 2 immaculate. 3 scrabble. 4 definite article. 5 notion. 6 barn. 7 folded. 12 scowl. 14 egoistical. 15 orris. 17 seminary. 19 arouse. 20 desire. 22 unload. 24 sate.
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#makeadifference – Simon Jesse tells us why he volunteers as a Special Constable Simon Jesse tells us why he decided to commit 100 hours per month to his local community. Despite working full time for Ford Motor Company, Simon Jesse volunteers 100 hours of his spare time each month to working as a Special Constable. His calling came after a road traffic accident happened in front of him and his instinct was to not only manage the scene, but to help the police with their inquiries as a result. He said: “My reaction was automatic. I then saw an advert for the Special Constabulary which I thought was
interesting as I had liked helping at the road traffic accident. I had considered joining five years earlier, but my daughter was just starting secondary school and I wanted to put my time into supporting her. “Now, it was the right time.” While the expectation on anyone signing up as a Special is to give 16 hours per month, many people give over and above that amount. With a teenage daughter settled in her own life and a wife working shifts for the NHS, volunteering suits Simon’s family lifestyle.
Can you break the Serpents Curse? This Halloween, Colchester Castle is launching a brand-new escape experience. Set in Europe’s largest Norman keep, come and explore the mysterious goings on that have caused several members of the Castle team to disappear! Escape At The Castle is the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family together to see if you can solve the mysterious puzzles and crack the clues that will lead you to break the SERPENTS CURSE... This thrilling and fast-paced experience will lead you all over this historic building and, with 2000
years of history buried deep within its walls, it’s the perfect location to get your brains working and cracking codes! Escape At The Castle is a familyfriendly experience, although we recommend all participants are age 11+ due to the complex nature of some of the codes. Launching on 31 October, with an introductory offer of £10 per person for a limited time only, the experience takes roughly one hour. Please see website for further details and times at colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/ escape
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 58: 14/10/19 Issue 59: 14/11/19
The safety design engineer said: “I found myself with free time on my hands, so this fitted perfectly. I was stuck playing on the Xbox every night; I was turning into a couch potato. It was my way of relaxing, and that’s fine, but I am so much happier being out and doing something.” Simon filled in an online application form, attended an induction day, went through the vetting process, completed a fitness test and began his training. He learnt about basic law, legislation, community engagement, importance of visibility in the role and how to progress to work with different divisions, such as dog handlers or marine support. Training can be completed one of two ways; either by completing an intensive four-week course or by attending weekend sessions over a period of 14 weeks. Once completed, candidates complete a portfolio of work, including carrying out arrests and dealing with thefts and domestic incidents. For Simon, the traditional role of the community “bobby” was what interested him the most. He has been a Community Special Constable in the Braintree district for the last 18 months and acts as Community Policing Team Special Sergeant, taking part in warrants and operations. He said: “I had an interest in the whole ‘bobby on the beat’ aspect. I was really interested in the Community Special Constable role as that’s how I remember the police when I was ten
or 11. At the age of 48 now, I felt I was at the right age to look at that kind of policing. I wanted to be a positive, proactive influence. “As soon as you complete your training and are able to go out there on your own, it can feel quite daunting. However, as soon as you get into the community you are treated as if you have been an officer for 30 years. With that comes a certain level of respect and responsibility. “The main thing is visibility. We are patrolling the streets where people live; we are not just going to the skatepark, we are outside their front doors. We are providing people with the police force they believe has been missing for many years. As a Special, we are able to support the shifts going out and dealing with the nasty stuff that goes on. There is so much work for them, they do not have the time to focus on just being visible. We can be on the ground all day long on a Saturday, for example, and meet people. That’s where we get the most positive feedback as we are being seen. As a result, people are opening up to us and giving us intelligence. “It is incredibly rewarding. I come home feeling better than when I went out. I get everything I want out of the role.” Find out more and apply to be a Special here: https://www.essex. police.uk/join-the-police/specialconstabulary/
King Edward Quay consultation Residents and businesses are being invited to share their ideas to improve the look and feel of the King Edward Quay area, which will benefit the local community. Colchester Borough Council has funding to make improvements to the Quay area, through Section 106 contributions, to enhance the feel of the area and reanimate the Quay through a series of events throughout 2020. Local people are being invited to give their feedback on the Quay – whether they feel the area needs more flower displays or improvements to seating and what events they would like to see take place. The council’s Community team will be coming to King Edward Quay to talk to residents on Saturday 5 October, 1-4pm.
Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with residents and businesses on improvement ideas for King Edward Quay. “We would like as many people as possible to get involved to share their views and ideas to help us enhance the area in ways that residents will really benefit from. I would urge anyone that lives or works in the area to go along and have their say or to comment online.” An online survey is also available for those who can’t attend the drop-in event. Residents can have their say at colchester.gov.uk/kingedwardquay
How to help your arthritic pain Arthritis is a blanket term describing pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. It affects roughly 10 million people in the UK and can affect people at Josh Congdon any age. There are many different types of arthritis and we are going to concentrate on osteoarthritis – the wear and tear type of arthritis. This is the most common type of arthritis and can be diagnosed from clinical examination, although x-ray is sometimes used to confirm it. The only problem with this is that the amount of wear we see on x-ray does not always reflect the amount of discomfort an individual feels. There is emerging evidence suggesting more active people suffer less pain from wear and tear.
as a gradual increase in pain or with regular flare ups. Taking pain relieving medication can be helpful to keep active, and it would be advisable to discuss this with a pharmacist if you are considering starting. Losing weight, strengthening the quadriceps and increasing the amount of cardiovascular exercise you do can help too – I often find cycling is good for this as it is non weight-bearing and tends to irritate pain less. Moving the joint helps lubricate it and keep it healthy – it is not advisable to stop moving. In addition to these self-help strategies, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, mobilisation and manipulation can give pain relief, allowing you to keep active. These do not cure the problem but can really help manage pain while you strengthen your knee and engage in a rehabilitation plan to progress your levels of activity.
Osteoarthritis affects mainly the weight bearing joints – in particular the hips and knees. It can present
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Cracking down on anti-social behaviour in the town centre A year ago, Colchester Borough Council invested over £300,000 in a plan to tackle antisocial behaviour and to make the centre of Colchester an even safer place. The Town Centre Action Plan (TCAP) was created in a partnership with Essex Police, who match funded the scheme. A team of police and officers from Colchester Borough Homes was set up to work alongside the council’s Neighbourhood Team to combat issues like street drinking and aggressive begging. Now, a total of 15 organisations work together to tackle anti-social behaviour and support rough sleepers. During the period between January and June 2019, 47 people were supported into accommodation and 195 contacts made through the Street Link app. Two Criminal Behaviour Orders were issued to a prolific beggar and one person for graffitiing, and 35 arrests were made in the town centre relating to anti-social behaviour, burglary and graffiti. The TCAP team has also worked to create a better environment by installing 14 on-street recycling bins in the town centre and Castle Park and
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supported the council’s Gum Drop campaign. Councillor Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “The Town Centre Action Plan partnership is having a positive impact on anti-social behaviour in the town centre. Although the work continues, we are now receiving substantially less complaints than six months ago. I hope the people of Colchester feel reassured that we are taking this seriously. I’d like to thank all our partners and organisations who work together to make a Better Colchester.” Colchester district commander, Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, said: “The close partnership has ensured that we can provide a range of interventions to vulnerable people to support them off the streets, and provide lasting support mechanisms. Working together we provide a more visible presence and the partners can bring a range of powers to reduce crime and combat anti-social behaviour making Colchester safer and reducing the fear of crime for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Cllr Mike Lilley added: “This isn’t the end of our efforts; the council is committed to continue the great work happening in the town centre. We will also be launching our new Rural Crime Toolkit in October, which will provide
guidance on identifying problems, practical solutions, preventative measures and funding opportunities for those living in more rural areas of the borough.”
Swimming school fined after child, 3, suffers chemical burns during lesson
First Strokes Swim Schools Ltd, which operates a purpose-built teaching pool in Stanway, Colchester, today (20 September 2019) pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court to breaching three health and safety offences under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as well as a failure to comply with two improvement notices, following the poolside incident on 22 May 2018. District Judge Woollard heard how the company failed to properly assess the pool water treatment and cleaning chemicals used at the site and failed to supervise the work of contractors. The case was brought by Colchester Borough Council, following an investigation by its health and safety officers. The court was told how the child had been attending a swimming class at First Strokes and was sat by the side of the pool waiting for her lesson to start, when she began to complain her leg was hurting. She was taken to Colchester General Hospital by her mother, where medics confirmed she had first- and second-degree burns. The mother also reported pink bleach marks on her clothing where she had carried her daughter. First Strokes admitted a contractor had undertaken maintenance work earlier in the day using the company’s own supply of Sodium Hypochlorite to hand-dose the pool water – tipping an unknown quantity from a 20-litre container into each end of the pool. It was alleged a small amount of the chemical had spilt onto the side of the
pool where the child later sat. On 17 July 2018, council officers served First Strokes Swim Schools Ltd two improvement notices for its lack of COSHH assessments and no safety system for hand-dosing the pool with water treatment chemicals. Although the company later provided several policy documents, they were received after the expiry of the improvement notices, and neither the COSHH assessments nor the hand dosing procedure submitted were deemed suitable enough by the investigator to demonstrate compliance with the improvement notices. Councillor Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “Health and safety regulations exist for good reason, and businesses and employers have a responsibility to protect their staff and customers’ safety and welfare. “As a result of failures to implement simple procedures to protect the public from exposure to hazardous substances, a vulnerable child was harmed. “The public should be reassured that we take a very dim view of any business that fails to put health and safety first and whose actions lead to personal injury. We will always investigate any breaches of health and safety regulations reported to us and where they meet the required legal threshold, those found to be breaking the law will be prosecuted.” Judge Woollard fined the company £10,500 and ordered it to pay Colchester Borough Council £2,350 costs and a £170 victim surcharge – in four monthly instalments.
ACROSS 7 Marriage guidance counsellor? He fixes things (8) 9 Game is ruined by prejudice (6) 10 Caught, getting time in prison (4) 11 Time invested in errant son failed – he has no chance of success (3-7) 12 Remember to visit again? (6) 14 Drug creating endless conflict at home (8) 15 Jack wants us back on road – ridiculous! (6) 16 Saucy. tasting of apple perhaps (6) 19 A struggle increased in Scottish town (8) 21 Note very little (6) 23 Nasty criminal upset Alan around start of November (10) 24 British agents keep hold of this tobacco (4) 25 Remove centre from pellets and grind – using this? (6) 26 Woman’s worked as model, having inclination (8)
DOWN 1 A teen’s represented in governing body (6) 2 Right away, plant evidence against celebrity (4) 3 Mathematician, one engaged in noisy dispute (8) 4 River subsequently needed for one travelling by water (6) 5 Changing to career in leisure activity (10) 6 Harshness, like compassion, the Queen embraced (8) 8 Owner adapts to new celebrity (6) 13 Uzis rattle violently in battle (10) 15 Lent progressed (8) 17 More will fail exam, being most aloof (8) 18 The woman’s lad upset the announcer (6) 20 Speaks of old values (6) 22 Communist art is brought back for businessman (6) 24 Fire gun, having no time to drive away (4)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7 repairer. 9 ageism. 10 cage. 11 non-starter. 12 recall. 14 warfarin. 15 absurd. 16 fruity. 19 Aviemore. 21 minute. 23 unpleasant. 24 shag. 25 pestle. 26 disposed. DOWN: 1 senate. 2 fame. 3 wrangler. 4 rafter. 5 recreation. 6 asperity. 8 renown. 13 Austerlitz. 15 advanced. 17 remotest. 18 herald. 20 orates. 22 trader. 24 shoo.
A three-year-old child suffered severe burns after sitting in a puddle of corrosive cleaning fluid while learning to swim, a court has been told.
Quick Crossword Puzzle
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Colchester Castle sees record numbers of visitors
Ceremonial trowel returns to the Town Hall after 121 years
Colchester Castle saw record numbers of visitors through its doors, when it took part in Heritage Open Days, England’s largest free festival of history and culture.
A ceremonial trowel presented to the Duke of Cambridge on 31 October 1898, at the start of building work on Colchester Town Hall, has been returned to the borough in a special ceremony hosted by the Mayor.
The castle joined hundreds of historic venues across the country by opening for free, enabling visitors to celebrate the country’s heritage, community and history. The castle welcomed a record 3,861 visitors, on what turned out to be a glorious sunny day. Queuing visitors were entertained by the venue’s very own jester, adding to the fantastic atmosphere on the day. The record numbers of visitors were able to enjoy the museum’s vast collections, including its new exhibition Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story, which explores our fascination with jewellery and personal adornment. With items on display from the Bronze age right up to the modern day it’s one not to miss. Find out more at colchester. cimuseums.org.uk/adorn
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It’s not too late to visit some of Colchester’s other significant and historical buildings for free, as Heritage Open Days continues for a second week ending on Sunday 22 September. Please visitvisitcolchester. com/HODS19 to download a programme to find out which places are open this weekend. Alternatively, pick up a copy of the Heritage Open Days brochure from the Visitor Information Centre, Colchester Castle or other selected outlets across the town centre. Heritage Open Days in Colchester is coordinated by Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service, with assistance from local heritage organisations and funding from Colchester Borough Council. It is part of the national event coordinated by the National Trust, with support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, and is England’s contribution to European Heritage Days.
The finely-engraved object was acquired at auction earlier this year, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Colchester Museums and Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell. The trowel was commissioned by architect John Belcher, who had won the competition to design the Town Hall, and was made by London firm Mappin and Webb. The front of the trowel is engraved with Belcher’s winning architectural design and shows a smaller, less embellished clock tower than the one we know today, which James Paxman subsequently paid over £3,000 to have built. The acquisition follows the restoration earlier this year of the Town Hall’s foundation stone, which was unveiled by Cllr David King and Sir Bob Russell
after it had become largely unreadable due to severe erosion. Colchester Town Hall was opened by the Earl of Rosebery on 15 May 1902. For over a century it has been one of the great landmarks of the town, decorated in statuary and stained glass that details the town’s long history and memorialises those who created the building as much as those who are represented upon it. Speaking shortly after the presentation, the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Nick Cope, said: “On behalf of the residents of Colchester, I would like to thank the Friends of Colchester Museums and Sir Bob Russell for their care and generosity in securing the trowel’s safe return to the borough and permanent display in the Town Hall.” Sir Bob Russell said: “This is a wonderful addition to the collection of memorabilia on display in the Grand Jury Room. The engraved trowel is an important part of the story of the building of our wonderful Town Hall, and to have it returned to the building is very special.”
Quick Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS 1 Nag eats so be possibly offering this? (7) 5 Russian ambassador carries round heroic novel (7) 9 First of all Oliver unpacked unusual item from the bakery (5,4) 10 Ancient priest executed outside Rugby (5) 11 Oriental lime mixed to make resin (5) 12 Go away when appraised badly (9) 14 Silly toddler who ate mud finally is sound asleep (4,2,3,5) 17 Fan mail incites trouble for newspaper (9,5) 21 Wrecker of battleship (9) 23 Letter’s read aloud by flirt (5) 24 Snooker shot popular with old fellows (2-3) 25 Uncharasterically choosing to accept student for tuition (9) 26 Most simple – Spain takes a nap in the afternoon mostly (7) 27 Invalid is prepared to wait without fuss (7) DOWN 1 Young boy who’s likely to pinch things? (6) 2 Forty winks or just one? (4-3) 3 English doctor gets asked around when unable to get up (9) 4 So dignitary blasted pretentiousness (11) 5 Fish is iridescent to some extent (3) 6 Total initially awarded dismayed defendant in court (3,2) 7 Nice arrogance! (7) 8 Lad rode off to old place of easy wealth (8) 13 Award for erudition (11) 15 Hang around outside Ascot perhaps wearing this? (9) 16 Shot by one who’s on strike (3,5) 18 Performances cancelled, so people not attending (2-5) 19 Devious First Lady keeps travel permit back (7) 20 Importance of delay, we hear (6) 22 Search for weapon (5) 25 Modelled for a day (3)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 nosebag. 5 Ivanhoe. 9 pound cake. 10 Druid. 11 elemi. 12 disappear. 14 dead to the world. 17 Financial Times. 21 destroyer. 23 tease. 24 in-off. 25 schooling. 26 easiest. 27 patient. DOWN: 1 nipper. 2 shut-eye. 3 bedridden. 4 grandiosity. 5 ide. 6 add up. 7 hauteur. 8 Eldorado. 13 scholarship. 15 waistcoat. 16 off-drive. 18 no-shows. 19 evasive. 20 weight. 22 rifle. 25 sat.
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Gum litter on Colchester’s streets reduces Gum litter blighting Colchester’s pavements has reduced, thanks to initiatives funded by the Better Colchester campaign. Following an extended programme of town centre cleaning, the introduction of Gumdrop bins and the Gum Litter Blows marketing
campaign, the amount of gum litter in some areas of town has reduced by as much as 81%. Two gum litter counts, one conducted in October 2018, before the activity began, and one in September 2019 have shown excellent results.
Area
October 2018
September 2019
Shoe Zone to Preto (High Street) - 25m
166 pieces of gum
30 pieces of gum (area cleaned regularly)
Sixth Form Entrance to 57 (North Hill) - 25m
627 pieces of gum
313 pieces of gum
Costa to Bet Fred / Odeon (Head Street) - 25m
436 pieces of gum
298 pieces of gum
Subway to Silk Road (Queen Street) - 25m
392 pieces of gum
255 pieces of gum
Argos to Beresfords both sides (Long Wyre Street) - 25m
574 pieces of gum
275 pieces of gum
Salvation Army to Red Lion Books (High Street) - 25m
213 pieces of gum
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20 pieces of gum (area cleaned regularly)
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation said “These figures are amazing and I am very proud that, together with residents and visitors to our town, we have made such a positive difference to the way our pavements look. “Gum litter is a disgrace and there is no need for it now that we have
special Gumdrop bins around the town centre. We can all work together to take pride in Colchester and continue to challenge and educate anyone who drops any kind of litter, for a Better Colchester”. The first batch of Gumdrop bins inserts sent back to Gumdrop for recycling weighed in at 11.14kgs.
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