PONTOON WORKS, COAST ROAD, WEST MERSEA (Posted 5 March 2026)

A survey of the pontoon has been undertaken, and several new safety measures are being implemented, as follows:

• New ladders will be installed on the section which goes out to the hammerhead section. These ladders will be yellow in colour so they can be seen from a distance and aid for easier access out of the water.
• After the installation of the new ladders, the current pontoon ladders will be removed and sent away to be powder coated in yellow before refixing to the pontoon. 
• The current lifebuoys on the pontoon are being replaced with new buoys and throwing ropes. Two additional lifebuoys will also be installed. 
• The safety ropes that runs along the side of the crabbing areas is being replaced and extended up to the metal bridge. This rope is in place to assist should anyone fall in and they cannot reach a ladder.

During these works the pontoon will be open, but there may be some restrictions where the works are being undertaken.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during these works.

COLCHESTER CITY RESIDENTS' PANEL (Reviewed Feb 2025, updated Oct 2025)

Colchester City Residents' Panel is open to anyone living in Colchester who is 18 years old or older.
Colchester City Council would like to hear what the residents of our wonderful city have to say. We want to have your input for the future of Colchester. 
To sign up online, click on the link: Colchester residents' panel, and you will receive emails with updates and invitations for future meetings. 
For more information, view the poster: click here

COMMUNITY MICRO-ENTERPRISE PROJECT DIRECTORY (posted 5 March 2026)

To view the latest edition of the Community Micro-enterprise Project Directory (March 2026): click here

HELP AVAILABLE FOR COLCHESTER RESIDENTS - FREE STAIRLIFT (Posted 29 May 2025)

If you have fallen on your stairs or do not feel safe using them, you could get a free stairlift through Colchester City Council. No means test required as part of the Disabled Facilities Grant service - just support when you need it most.
Who can apply?
- Homeowners
- landlords (for disabled tenants)
- parents/guardians of disabled children.
What's covered?
- Stairlifts may be funded if you: need access to essential rooms such as a bedroom or bathroom
- the property is suitable for a stairlift and it suits your needs.
How to apply
Step 1: Get an Occupational Therapist Assessment with Essex County Council.
For adults - call 0345 603 7630 or email socialcaredirect@essex.gov.uk
For children - call 0345 603 7627 (Children and Families Hub)
Step 2: Once the assessment is complete, the Healthy Homes team will guide you through the application and installation process.
For more support, see the website: click here
Poster: click here 

ENERGY SAVING (Reviewed Feb 2025)

An Energy Saving document containing lots of useful information has been supplied by Colchester City Council. For more details: click here

COLCHESTER CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT (Reviewed May 2024)

1. Cost of Living Support. For more information: click here
Colchester City Council have put together a list of warm welcoming spaces, if you know of a space that is not shown on the link above, please email communities@colchester.gov.uk with the details.
2. A One Colchester support video has been commissioned by Colchester City Council and partners called 'Here to help you and your family'. To view the video: click here
3. A programme of outreach continues with Colchester City Council officers attending a variety of events and locations to offer advice.
4. Contact details for support. Website: click here - Email: benefits.advice@colchester.gov.uk - Telephone: 01206 505855