COLCHESTER’S High Street has changed over the years both in layout and retail names.

And while the streets may be quieter than usual during the coronavirus pandemic we’ve had a delve into the archives to show how it has changed.

The Romans built a road here almost 2,000 years ago, the main street in the heart of their new city or colonia in the decades after they invaded Britain in AD43.

Shops have come and gone and the road layout has changed a number of times and in recent times the question of pedestrianisation has been raised repeatedly but never satisfactorily answered.

Now a study will be undertaken to explore the options for the main thoroughfare.

They range from a do nothing approach to full pedestrianisation.

In March 2013, an experimental pedestrianisation scheme was put in place, banning traffic between 11am and 6pm, although buses, taxis, motorbikes and pedal bikes were allowed access.

However, this was suspended a month later due to public concerns and reviewed again in October 2013.

As it stands, no-one has the answer to where the buses will go nor the delivery lorries.

Then there is the issue of disabled parking.

That is the problem with trying to find a 21st century solution to a 2,000-year-old road network.