A PETITION has been launched to return the River Colne through Halstead to its former glory.

Residents and shopkeepers are joining forces with the town council and business owners to improve the “unattractively low level” which has been a problem since the sluice gates broke downriver more than a year ago.

James Killbury, owner of the Halstead Antiques Centre in Townsford Mill, which looks over the river, has joined the fight, launching a petition for the river to be restored.

Despite the protests, the Environment Agency, which is responsible for the repairs and the cost, claims the river is better suited to a lower level.

Representatives from the agency say it is better to leave it as it is, reducing the flood risk, and not spending the money.

The antiques centre attracts some 40,000 visitors to Halstead a year, a town renowned for its beauty.

Mr Killbury said: “Everyone is fed up with it.

“The landlord is fed up, we are fed up, residents are fed up, what is going on?

“Simply, there is no river. The whole area looks derelict because there is no water.

“The river bank is growing like a waste land, it almost reaches across the river. It is ridiculous.”

With prior complaints about the water level, townsfolk are hoping a petition will see someone take note.

Mr Killbury said: “We have had no movement so we though we should show our people power.

“Between 300 and 400 people have already attempted to sign the petition.

“If it turns into a couple of thousand surely someone must listen?

“When the river is full, and wth Halstead in Bloom I don’t think you will find a better beauty spot.”

Sign a physically copy in the antiques centre, or visit http://www.halsteadantiquescentre.co.uk/cry-me-a-river.html