MORE than 140 suggestions concerning the improvement of Colchester town centre were added to a special wishing wall.

Cleaner streets, better pavements and a bus station for the town were among the ideas put forward by residents.

Colchester Civic Society put up the wishing wall stand during a heritage event at St Botolph’s Priory.

The 141 responses will be considered by the society’s executive committee and the best put forward as proposals to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

Society chairwoman Jo Edwards said: “For this many people to take the time and trouble to write down their sincere top wish for a better Colchester is a remarkable tribute to how much people do care about Colchester - its past, present and its future.”

Suggestions included scrapping the bus lane running from the High Street into Queen Street, using planning enforcement law to protect buildings falling into disrepair and the implementation of more cycling lanes.

Some suggested an indoor market and an outdoor swimming lido.

Ms Edwards added: “Ideally the civic society would like to see permanent security at St Botolph’s Priory, which is a Grade I listed site.

“The council’s efforts to deal with anti-social behaviour are welcome. The society would encourage the council to do everything in its power to prevent the appalling misuse of the area, so prevalent in the recent past, from returning when the contract for security finishes.”

Security, paid for by the council, will be in place at the priory throughout October.

Colchester Council is set to draw up a new town centre masterplan.

During a consultation exercise with the authority’s policy and public initiatives panel, members of the public put forward ideas for improving the town including an undercover market and free-to-play open air table tennis tables.