Since opening in 2014, the West Mersea Skate Park has become a well-loved facility for skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX enthusiasts. Now, for the first time, an official Skate Jam event will be held at the park.
The skate park was originally delivered following extensive fundraising led by former Deputy Mayor Wendy Bixby, with young people closely involved in shaping its design. Twelve years on, the park remains in constant use, demonstrating its continued popularity. West Mersea Town Council (WMTC) is now keen to re-engage with local young people and consult with them more regularly. Hosting the first Skate Jam is seen as an ideal way to begin that renewed dialogue.
The event will take place on Monday 24th August 2026, from 5pm to 8pm, and parents are encouraged to come along and support the young riders. The Skate Jam will feature demonstrations, coaching sessions and competitions for skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX users.
Two experienced organisations, the Dry Skate Project and Team Rubicon, have been commissioned to run the demonstrations and competitions. The event has also received generous support from Micro Scooters and Chilli Scooters, who have donated prizes and giveaways, including the chance to win a Chilli stunt scooter. A hydration station will be available throughout the evening.
Alongside the ramp activities, Essex Youth Services will provide a DJ and decks, giving young people the opportunity to try DJing. A designated area will also offer crazy golf. Members of Mersea Community Repair and Make group will be present to run pop-up bike maintenance workshops. WMTC hopes that young people will share their feedback and ideas to help shape future youth provision on the island.
WMTC Mayor, Cllr Bob Jenkins, said: "The Council has seen how popular the Skate Park has become over the years and we are keen to support young people in its continued use. We also hope that from this we can rebuild a relationship with our younger generation and consult with them for future youth provision on the island."
It is with great sorrow that the Town Council has learned of the serious incident off West Mersea Esplanade yesterday evening, in which a teenage girl and a woman in her forties tragically lost their lives. Another individual was airlifted to hospital and remains in a critical condition, and two others were taken to hospital by road with non-life-threatening injuries.
On behalf of the whole community, the Town Council extends its sincere condolences to the families and friends of those affected by this devastating event.
We understand that a number of local people were on the scene very quickly and assisted in the rescue efforts. All emergency services responded, including the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Air Ambulance teams and Essex Police. The Council expresses its gratitude to everyone who assisted during this traumatic incident.
West Mersea Town Council will host a public consultation evening at the Glebe Pavilion in Colchester Road, West Mersea, on Thursday 30th July at 7pm to present plans for a new multi-use community building at the Glebe.
The proposed facility includes a multi-purpose hall, changing rooms, accessible toilets, meeting rooms, storage areas, and a social space. Designed to support sports clubs, youth groups, wellbeing activities, adult learning, and community events, the building aims to provide modern, flexible, and accessible facilities for residents of all ages.
"This project represents a major investment in West Mersea's future. The Glebe is already a valued community space, and this new building will ensure it continues to meet the needs of local people for many years to come. We encourage everyone to attend, view the plans, and share their thoughts."
The consultation evening will take place at the Glebe, where residents can view concept designs, ask questions, and complete feedback forms. Input from the community will help shape the final design and support upcoming funding applications.
For more information, please contact West Mersea Town Council by email: town.clerk@westmerseatowncouncil.gov.uk
To view the site layout, existing and proposed plans for the multi-use building at the Glebe, click on the link: Proposed plans PDF
To read the Risk Assessment for the Glebe Projection, click on the link: Risk assessment PDF
The new beacon was installed on 16th June.
To view the West Mersea Town Council response to the Colchester City Council New Local Plan Regulation 18 Stage: click here
West Mersea Town Council's Neighbourhood Plan. To view: click here
The Council office is open to the public on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings (9am to 12pm).
We are a stockist for recycling boxes and clear bags, obtained with a voucher from Colchester City Council (Waste & Recycling enquiries: click here)
Our office working hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Telephone 01206 382128 (answerphone may be on, please leave a message) or email: carol.fountain@westmerseatowncouncil.gov.uk
West Mersea Town Council is operating a full service.
We sell dog bags (£2 for 100 bags) and food caddy bags (£1.25 for 26 bags).
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Deputy Mayor, Cllr Bob Jenkins had the honour of laying the Town poppy wreath at the War Memorial on Sunday 9th November 2025.
Community Special Constables are volunteer police officers, holding the same office and the same powers as regular officers; they wear the same uniform and carry the same equipment and are deployed to the same incidents. Being volunteers, CSCs are not paid but can claim mileage and duty allowances.
Community Special Constable video: click here
Poster: click here
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Keep Mersea Tidy litter picks regularly take place in West Mersea. Litter is collected by many individuals, if you wish to sign up as a Litter Warrior please email Colchester City Council on shrubend@colchester.gov.uk for more details.
Be Proud of Mersea and help to make our Island the first litter free island in the UK. Proud of Mersea are an active group of litter pickers and campaigners, for more details phone: 01206 385397 or email: proudofmersea@outlook.com
Facebook: Proud of Mersea Community Group
West Mersea Town Council
10 Melrose Road, West Mersea
Colchester, Essex, CO5 8JD
Email: carol.fountain@westmerseatowncouncil.gov.uk
Telephone: 01206 382128
Office opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Friday
9am to 12pm.
You can still contact us by telephone and email at other times.