William Eichler 07 September 2018

Council ‘disposed’ of ancient Roman artefact

Colchester Borough Council disposed of a Roman water feature after it proved ‘too expensive' to maintain.

The ancient artefact was discovered in the late nineties but was damaged as it was moved to the former museum storage area.

A lack of space in the storage facility meant it had to be stored in the car park.

The council considered moving the water feature to the garden behind a Roman theatre, but, as a council spokesperson says, ‘it soon became clear that its poor condition meant that the project to preserve it would be prohibitively expensive.’

‘It was at this point the decision was taken not to ship the water feature to the Heckworth Close storage facility but to dispose of it – except for a small number of tesserae that were retained for research purposes,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Colchester Borough Council is the custodian and conservator of thousands of wonderful historical artefacts on public display in our three Museums and other sites around the borough,’ they continued.

‘In addition, hundreds of thousands of artefacts that are not able to be displayed are carefully maintained for posterity in our secure storage facilities.

‘While we recognise the importance and value of maintaining our heritage assets, we do at times also have to strike a balance with the level of public funding and storage space available, the quality of those collections, and the ability to make those collections accessible to the public who ultimately pays for their upkeep.’

Image: not the actual water feature.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner