CAMPAIGNERS are using art as their latest weapon in a bid to prevent hundreds of homes being built on a Colchester beauty spot.
The Middlewick Ranges are earmarked for up to 1,000 homes in Colchester’s Local Plan.
The controversial proposals sparked an outcry from critics who say the site should be protected and turned into a nature reserve.
The Gazette revealed last week how a Freedom of Information request found two separate ecological reports on the Wick had been prepared by experts at the site.
Colchester councillors voted in 2022 to include the Wick in the Local Plan – a blueprint for future housing – based on the second report, which said the Wick was less important for its biodiversity than the first study.
Now an art exhibition about the history and biodiversity of the ranges has opened in Colchester city centre to try raise awareness.
Evidence – Campaigner Martin Pugh holding evidence about the additional number of nightingale birds on the Wick, a biodiversity not included in official seen reports which he called purposefully ‘selective’ (Image: Newsquest)Campaigner and ecologist Martin Pugh said: “This exhibition is what it is all about.
“It is a unique opportunity to engage and fill the gaps in knowledge ahead of the crucial Local Plan vote on the fate of Middlewick Ranges.”
Councillor Dave Harris attended the exhibition at Colchester Leaf Cafe on Priory Walk on Friday.
He said: “I used to walk my dog first thing in the morning at the Wick in the early 1980s, and it put me in a good place – that’s what the area does for people.
“The Local Plan is coming out in November.
“I will be speaking out on it, asking for the Wick to be taken out of the Local Plan and to find other more suitable places for housing outside rather than in Colchester city centre.”
Experience – Councillor Dave Harris looking at photographs of the Wick by Andrew Neal, Mr Harris said he had been on a tour in the Wick to visit sky larks alongside campaigners (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Harris added: “I really salute what the team has done here, it is amazing.
“We have to keep on that theme that more evidence, I hope, will come to light.
“You have to find somewhere to build houses – but not there.”
Impact – Over 50 people attended the exhibition’s opening night on October 4 including councillors (Image: Submitted) The free Save the Wick exhibition is at Colchester Leaf – open Thursday to Saturday from 12noon to 3pm – until November 16.
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