A REPLACEMENT bridge linking Colchester’s Castle Park with Leisure World has been labelled a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Riverside Estate resident Graham Carrington said the money would be better spent on filling potholes or building a children’s play area and there was nothing wrong with the existing bridge.

Colchester Council said the money, from developerswho built Parkside Quarter in St Peter’s Street, had to be spent on improving walking and cycling routes.

Mr Carrington said: “If money was no object, I would like a few new bridges on the river and lots of things done to the park, but when people are up to their shoulders in potholes it’s different.

“When you look at all the things that need spending on, to waste money on this I find incredible as a ratepayer.”

See Monday's Gazette for the full story