Moorhen nests hold up long-awaited bridge repairs

Long-awaited work to repair a collapsed bridge has had to be halted after the discovery of moorhen nests.

The bridge has been out of use since December 2023 - when part of the Middle Mill weir at Castle Park in Colchester fell into the River Colne.

Repair work started last Tuesday but had to be suspended the same day after one nest was found within the damaged structure - and a second in a nearby construction site.

Colchester City Council, which is responsible for the weir itself, said it was "committed to continuing the repairs as soon as it is appropriate to do so".

"The situation is being carefully monitored, and we are working closely with contractors and relevant agencies to determine the best course of action," a spokesperson said.

According to the Wildlife Trusts, moorhens are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and are known for their "large and untidy-looking nests".

It is illegal to move the nest of a moorhen while it is in use.

A meeting has been scheduled to "assess the impact on the project timeline", the council added.

Last week, the Liberal Democrat and Labour-led authority said a boating lake in the park had closed because the damage had impacted water levels.

A diversion of about 1km (0.6 mile) has been in place while the footbridge, owned by Essex County Council, has been closed.

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