WORK to repair damaged grass at a Colchester beauty spot has now been completed however fears remain it will not be ready in time for the first event of the year just 12 days away.
The grass in Lower Castle Park was first put into a poor state following the popular Okotberfest event last year.
The site saw its grass churned up after heavy vehicles were on site.
Now, remedial work to restore the site has been completed, but concerns are still being raised over its state.
Latest pictures have once again shown the poor state of the grass six months on from the Oktoberfest event, with concerns growing if it will be ready.
Musik in the Park is due to take place on May 4, with further events including the Hospital Radio fun day, the Roman and Medieval festival and Race for Life to follow in the coming weeks and months.
Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell, who has lived near Castle Park for more than 50 years, says this is the worst condition he has seen the grass in.
“In the past, on the few occasions when the ground was damaged but nothing to this extent, it was restored very quickly,” he said.
“I trust the council is charging the organisers of the Oktoberfest for the cost of repairing the serious damage done to the surface of Lower Castle Park.”
City centre councillor Mark Goacher also aired his fresh concerns.
He said: “I am very concerned if the Oktoberfest damage could hold back other events starting and hope this can be rectified.
“There are some fantastic events and festivals in the park which don’t cause this damage and our park is valuable.
“Since it has been decided, against my advice, to hold Oktoberfest in this location again this year, we must ensure the organisers are made aware that they cannot cause this disruption and damage again.”
Colchester Council said last month “actively working to address the situation” and how it was stunted by wet weather over the winter.
The council did, however, say it was “optimistic” work would be completed in time.
In its latest update, it said remedial work on the grass has now been completed and it is waiting for grass seed to germinate and establish.
Areas will be protected and access restricted until this time.
Council reassures residents site will be ready
COLCHESTER Council has reassured residents and visitors the Castle Park site will be ready in time for coming events.
A spokesman said: “We understand the concerns regarding the condition of the grass in Lower Castle Park.
“We want to assure residents and visitors the reinstatement works, unfortunately delayed due to unsuitable weather conditions, have now been finalised.
“The costs associated with these repairs have also been recovered.
“We are committed to ensuring the park can be enjoyed by all.
With just 12 days until the Musik in the Park event, the council also said it has been in communication with the events team on vehicle movements and layouts.
The spokesman continued: “To minimise any impact on the recently restored areas, we are working closely with the organisers of upcoming events.
“This includes utilising trackways and limiting vehicle movements within the park.
“For the upcoming Musik in the Park event organised by Colchester Events, we have been in communication with them regarding the ground’s condition.
“The event layout will be designed to avoid any recently reinstated areas.
“We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming visitors to summer events in Lower Castle Park.”
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