I HAVE noticed a recent decline in the upkeep and security of Colchester Upper Castle Park.

Lawns are mown infrequently and haphazardly with grass being allowed to grow over flower beds and lawn edges, flower beds have as many weeds as plants.

Public areas and footpaths are in a poor condition, unswept with infrequent litter picking.

Of greater concern is the lack of control being exercised by those responsible with visitors now having the opportunity to watch, and in some cases unwittingly participate, in the following illegal activities:

  • Dogs being walked on a leash; some being allowed to run free especially in and around the children’s play area and grass regularly used by picnickers, with dogs urinating and worse.
  •  Cyclists travelling at speed on footpaths, weaving through pedestrians with no due regard for children, elderly or infirm.
  •  Skateboarders weaving around pedestrians, in an even more dangerous manner than cyclists.
  •  Extreme sports enthusiasts using walls, steps and outbuildings to satisfy their latest trend, with no concern for the damage being caused.
  •  Teenagers using the children’s play hut as a climbing frame.
  • Young adults using the children’s play equipment, despite the age restrictions, many with an apparent intent to see how quickly they can destroy the equipment.
  • Visitors picking the park flowers.
  •  One visitor stripped to his underpants in the fish pond to collect the coins which have been thrown in by members of the public. When reported, it was advised that this is not theft as the coins did not belong to anyone.
  • After park closing, vagrants use the grounds to sleep over, scavenge and relieve themselves.

It is now only a matter of time before someone is injured by these activities.

I am advised new contractors took over the grounds and security contract in April this year.

Could this lesser standard be attributed to a cost-cutting exercise by the powers that be in the council?

It is clear the current standard of the park grounds and security, if not improved, will deter tourists from visiting.

Come on Colchester Council, take back control and give some positive direction to the new contractors to ensure the excluded activities are stopped.

Barry Sadler Castle Road, Colchester

WE are constantly being told our councils are strapped for cash and that cuts are inevitable.

Despite this, Essex County Council sees fit to waste thousands of pounds on an unnecessary bus lane in Lexden Road and a new pedestrian/cyclist bridge over Balkerne Hill.

My cycling days are long since over, but when I did cycle to town some years ago I used the bridge.

All I did was walk across and continue cycling from the other side.

Bearing in mind the very small number of cyclists using this route, I would contend that the existing bridge is quite adequate for their needs.

Another correspondent asked recently what our local county councillors are doing about the proposed bus lane?

I would extend this question to include the new bridge. Let us hear from them.

A final thought. Perhaps the money for these projects is being supplied by the EU. If this is the case, there is now a very good reason to kick them into touch.

Norman Bailey Cambridge Road, Colchester

HAVING read your recent report regarding the modification or rebuilding of the Balkerne Hill Bridge at great expense, am I missing something?

Why not prohibit cyclists from riding their bikes across the bridge but allow them to walk them over. I’m sure cyclists can manage the 30-40 metre stroll.

Tom Kirkpatrick Colchester

I READ in your paper money is being spent on a new Balkerne bridge.

All that is needed is a notice each end saying dismount your bike.

Norman Williams Henry Laver Court, Colchester

WHAT a great story about the Gurkha bus drivers (Gazette, June 27).

These proud, loyal, and hardworking people are just what the good face of immigration is all about.

They have shown themselves to be worthy additions to the defence of this country in the past, and now, presently, to the people of Colchester.

Professional and positive in their attitudes, who would deny them their well-earned place in society.

Frankly, they put some of our indigenous citizens to shame.

Paul Hart Alexandra Drive, Wivenhoe