u/ModTeam-

If you spot something that needs fixing in your area: potholes, fly-tipping, broken streetlights, graffiti, parking issues or general maintenance problems, here are the main official reporting tools to use.

Using these helps get issues logged properly and ensures they reach the right teams faster.

Priory Walk built in the 1960s, then called the Kingsway Precinct

The original post/picture

Use this thread to discuss and track planning applications happening around Colchester.

This includes:
• New housing developments
• Extensions
• Commercial projects
• Mobile phone masts
• Road/infrastructure works
• Demolitions
• Retail & hospitality changes
• Student accommodation
• Renewable energy projects

You can search and comment on applications here:

🌐 https://www.colchester.gov.uk/planning-search-results/

Helpful things to include when posting:
• Application number
• Location/address
• Summary of the proposal
• Link to the application
• Your thoughts/concerns

Residents can officially comment on applications through the planning portal during consultation periods.

A lot of people only discover developments once work begins, but the planning stage is when residents actually have the biggest opportunity to influence projects.

Even a short, well-written comment can help raise issues planners may need to consider.

Ninety years ago, the Co-operative department store on Newgate Street became a major new addition to Newcastle's retail landscape, going on to trade until 2011

The Co-op’s in-house architect LG Ekins designed the new store, employing many internal and external Art Deco features that characterised the inter-war period. Classical and Egyptian styles also appeared in the design. With its twin towers, sweeping curves and huge windows boasting views across the city, the now-iconic building was regarded as Newcastle’s most elegant shopping outlet. Across 170,000 square feet and housed on six floors linked by marble-lined staircases, it was the ultimate retail experience.

Have any memories or experiences visiting/working here over the years? Let us know in the comments below!

Think you know your landmarks and unusual locations?

It’s time for this week’s WhereAndWhatIsIt challenge!
Take a close look, put your guesses in the comments and see if you can work out exactly where and what this is

Hints may appear throughout the week..or maybe not

We’ll reveal the answer on Sunday afternoon, until then, happy guessing! 👇

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If you spot something that needs fixing in your area: potholes, fly-tipping, broken streetlights, graffiti, parking issues or general maintenance problems, here are the main official reporting tools to use.

Using these helps get issues logged properly and ensures they reach the right teams faster.

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🏛️ Colchester City Council - CCC Report Online

Use this for issues like:

• Fly-tipping and waste
• Street cleaning problems
• Graffiti
• Parks and open spaces
• Housing-related concerns

👉 Best for general city-level issues within Colchester.

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🏛️ Essex County Council - ECC Report & Track It

Use this for:

• Potholes and road damage
• Street lighting faults
• Highway issues
• Public transport infrastructure
• Footpaths and road safety concerns

👉 Best for roads, highways and county-managed services.

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🅿️ North Essex Parking Partnership - NEPP Report Form

Use this for:

• Illegal parking Report parking on Zigzags to the police
• Abandoned vehicles
• Parking restriction issues
• Enforcement concerns

👉 Best for anything parking or enforcement related.

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👍 Why use these tools?

• Reports go straight to the correct department
• Issues are tracked and monitored
• Faster response than social media posts alone
• Helps improve Colchester and surrounding areas for everyone

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If you see an issue, don’t just post about it, report it so it can actually get fixed.

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The FixMyStreet app and website is a really useful tool for reporting local issues around Colchester, helping improve the area for everyone.

If you spot something that needs attention, you can report it directly in a couple of minutes.

Common things residents can report include:
• Potholes
• Broken street lights
• Fly-tipping and dumped rubbish
• Graffiti & Vandalism
• Damaged pavements & Road markings
• Blocked drains or flooding
• Abandoned vehicles
• Overflowing bins/Litter issues
• Broken signs or street furniture

FixMyStreet lets you:
• Pinpoint the exact location on a map
• Upload photos
• Add descriptions and updates
• Track progress after submission
• View reports already made nearby

It’s one of the easiest ways for residents to directly contribute to keeping our city cleaner, safer and better maintained.

FixMyStreet Website also available from the app store and Google play

If you’ve used it before in Colchester, feel free to share your experience below.

Team Colchester Survey

We have to take these opportunities when we get them, please take the time to give your thoughts.
I see plenty of people moan about Colchester but never take the opportunity to make change and provide their input

• Tiptree: 09 May Walnut Tree Way (Opposite Chestnut Way) 8am to 8:45am
• Marks Tey and Layer: 09 May Birch (at the Mill Lane Recreation Ground Play Area) 9am to 9:45am
• Stanway: 09 May Rogation Close (between Harvest End and Rye Close) 10am to 10:45am

They will take away:

Small/Medium size bulk and waste from domestic properties - use this service to dispose of bulky items that would usually go to the tip and not normally be collected with household waste

They will not take:

• Items that can be recycled
• Upholstered seating (no sofas, arm chairs etc)
• Large loads, fridges, freezers or other electrical goods - you can book a special collection for these
• Hazardous waste such as asbestos, batteries, liquids or gas bottles
• Business waste - this can be arranged through business waste collections
• Garden waste - this can be arranged through garden waste subscription service

Members of Southern Co-op have voted decisively in favour of merging with the national Co-op Group, with an overwhelming 97.07 per cent backing the proposal at yesterday's Special General Meeting.

The ballot saw 13,361 votes cast, representing a strong turnout that demonstrates active participation in the co-operative's governance.

A Southern Co-op spokesperson confirmed the result: "At the Special General Meeting of Southern Co-operative Limited held on 6th May, Southern Co-op Members voted in favour of the Special Resolution to transfer the engagements of the Society to a subsidiary of The Co-operative Group."

The vote represents a major milestone for the proposed deal, though a second ballot will ultimately determine whether the transaction proceeds.

Should the merger receive final approval, more than 300 food shops, funeral homes and coffee outlets currently operated by Southern Co-op would become part of the national chain.

The combined organisation would boast sales of approximately £11.5billion and operate close to 2,500 stores throughout the country.

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https://www.eastofengland.coop/news/east-of-england-announce-annual-results