Network Colchester (Burtons Coaches) 363 (SN54 HXB) in Colchester - 23 Sep 2009 (DSCN3487)

Wednesday 23 Sept 2009 (1259) – Network Colchester (Burtons Coaches) 363 (SN54 HXB), a Transbus Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Dart new in December 2004, seen by the Town Hall in Colchester High Street when working the 1234 from Shrub End to Greenstead.

The roots of Network Colchester went back to Colchester’s municipal bus undertaking which was sold to British Bus in 1993. British Bus was acquired by the Cowie Group in 1996 that group was renamed Arriva the following year. In 2004 Arriva sold their Arriva Colchester operation to Tellings-Golden Miller (the TGM Group) and it was placed under the control of Burtons Coaches Limited operating as Network Colchester. Ironically in 2008 TGM was acquired by Arriva and so the operation reverted to an earlier owner.

The Baroque style town hall has a 162 feet/49 metre high Victorian tower topped with a statue of St Helena, Colchester's patron saint.

In the distant background is the 110 feet/34.5 metre high Balkerne Water Tower, the largest remaining Victorian water tower in Britain built from public funds in 1883 that served the town for over a century. Since it was decommissioned in 1988 ownership has changed a number of times bringing forth different planning applications as to the potential use of the tower. The current owner has leased the tower to North Essex Heritage Trust for 150 years. The Trust plans to make the tower a visitor attraction and destination venue.