Friday 17th March, 2023
There’s some good news coming out of the Town Hall with an update of the Colchester Climate Emergency Action Plan. This will be reviewed by the Environment and Sustainability Panel when it next meets on the 21st March.
The report provides an update on the plans to open a secure cycle park in the city centre. The park will allow residents to access an app-based facility to lock their bikes safely.
The council plans to provide access to electric and eCargo bikes on a pay-as-you-go basis at the cycle park. It will also be home for Colchester Bike Kitchen offering bike repairs and maintenance.
Other highlights in the report include decarbonisation works at the refurbished Rowan House office. These cover the installation of an air source heat pump, roof insulation, LED lighting, mechanical ventilation, and a heat recovery system. Twelve electric vehicle charge points have also been installed in the car park.
The council has continued to make progress with both the Northern Gateway Heat Network and the feasibility study, business case, and design work for a new solar park and micro grid.
They have also developed a partnership with local charity Market Field Grows to carry out tree planting and provide work opportunities to young adults with disabilities and special needs.
The council has supported the ecargo bike delivery service with their Christmas delivery service trial, which has helped to replace 61 miles of van deliveries, reducing emissions produced within the city centre.
They have also received an award for the CAReless Pollution campaign that ran to raise awareness of “no idling” and air pollution.
Plans for 2023 include continuing to build on learnings of No Mow approach and implement it at more council green spaces where appropriate.
The council will also build on the masterplan for Cymbeline Meadows to be a nature reserve, create new habitats, and manage the site to support biodiversity.
They will link in with Essex County Council and other partners to deliver active travel projects linked with the Town Deal work, including the provision of 750 free bikes through the ‘Pedal Power’ scheme in Greenstead.
Plus the council plans to support GO4 café and volunteers in Newtown to set up a shared eCargo bike hub for residents to access eCargo and electric bikes on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The council will investigate the opportunity to work with Tier (escooter provider) to set up an electric bike pay-as-you-go hire scheme to enable residents to have access to these for work and leisure journeys.
It’s a refreshing change to the stalled cycling projects that have failed in the past. It shows that where there is a genuine cross-party political will, policy can be put in place that offers up genuine positive changes for residents.
The Chronic has a Patreon page over here if you want to support my work.