COUNCILLORS are encouraging as many as people as possible to fill in a survey which could shape the future of Colchester’s city centre.

A masterplan is currently being devised to reinvigorate Colchester's once thriving high street businesses, which are seeing a slump in footfall after major retailers either went bankrupt or decided to move out of town.

Debenhams went into liquidation last year, and this year has seen both Marks and Spencer and Next leave the high street.

As the Gazette reported in March, leaders from both Colchester Council and Essex County Council are in the process of identifying and planning areas for development and regeneration.

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With the plans still in the early stages, however, officials say the survey asking residents in Colchester what they feel is needed in the town centre is still playing a crucial role in shaping the masterplan.

David King, Leader of Colchester Council said that the early responses to the consultation are already proving helpful.

He said: “Residents show they really care about the future of the town centre.  They recognise town centres are changing.

£Like us they see a lot to like, but more to be done – working together with Essex County Council we can make real differences for the better.”

The survey can be accessed via: bit.ly/3BGKf9h.