COLCHESTER’S trial e-scooters are helping get residents out of their cars and using more sustainable modes of transport, according to new research by the firm running the scheme. According to survey data from Spin, the micromobility unit of Ford Motor Company which is running the trial, 82 per cent of riders had opted to use an e-scooter instead of driving alone at least once. If the e-scooters were not available, 31 per cent of the 519 Essex respondents said they would have used a car for their most recent trip. Almost half, or 44 per cent, of riders said they used an e-scooter to connect with public transport at least once with 86 per cent saying the vehicles felt safer than traditional public transport during the pandemic.
ONE of Colchester town centre s most historic town centre shops is closing its doors permanently after 37 years. Music Warehouse in St John s Street, will be shutting for the final time over the coming weeks after owners Lou and Sue Moodie made the decision to sell the premises. Despite having a record year for sales during lockdown, Mr Moodie said the time had come for the couple to retire. The 65-year-old also said the new cycle lane in St John s Street, installed as part of Essex County Council s Safer, Greener, Healthier project, had been a contributing factor in the couple s decision.
HUGE new plans to transform two town centre car parks by building new homes have been revealed. Colchester Council s cabinet will discuss plans for the regeneration of Vineyard Street and Britannia car parks at a meeting next week. The plans would see 190 homes built across both car parks, with just a few parking spaces retained. Disabled parking spaces will remain and be protected.
Here is what we know about the plans:
Vineyard Street The vision for Vineyard Street includes a new residential neighbourhood of up to 70 new homes built along the area’s former medieval street plan. The Roman town wall would be opened up to create a backdrop to new public spaces, featuring commercial units.